Asking the Experts: Using Cognitive Interview Techniques to Explore the Face Validity of the Mental Wellness Measure for Adolescents Living with HIV
23 February 2024Barriers and facilitators of and strategies for successful community engagement in infectious disease clinical trials in low- and middle- income countries
23 February 2024Determinants and rates of retention in HIV care among adolescents receiving antiretroviral therapy in Windhoek, Namibia: a baseline cohort analysis
Long-term engagement in HIV care is essential to achieving and maintaining viral suppression. Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) experience many barriers to remaining engaged in care and treatment programs. Higher attrition among adolescents compared to adults remains a huge concern due to unique psychosocial and health systems challenges adolescents face, and recently the COVID-19 pandemic effects. We report on determinants and rates of retention in care in adolescents aged 10–19 years enrolled on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Windhoek, Namibia.
Retention in care rates among ALHIV in Windhoek do not meet the UNAIDS revised target of 95%. Gender-specific interventions are needed to keep male and older adolescents motivated and engaged in long-term.