Knowledge and perceptions of sexual and reproductive health and HIV among perinatally HIV-infected adolescents in rural China

Abstract

Due to the success of highly active antiretroviral therapy, more children infected with HIV perinatally are living to adolescence. This brings new challenges on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs and psychosocial support specific to adolescents. To improve such efforts on long-term care of this vulnerable population, we assessed SRH and HIV knowledge and perceptions among perinatally HIV-infected adolescents (PHIVA). This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2013 in a rural HIV clinic. A structured questionnaire focusing on SRH and HIV was administered to 124 PHIVA attending quarterly medical visit. Multivariable logistic regression was used to detect associated factors with knowledge acquisition. Among participants, 79% had never discussed puberty development or sexuality with parents. Over 50% had never heard of condoms and 20% reported not having any informational source of SRH and HIV knowledge. Only 5% correctly answered all questions regarding HIV knowledge and pregnancy, with 18% correctly answered questions regarding contraception. Adolescents older than age of 15 and who had been disclosed of HIV status were more likely to acquire correct knowledge of SRH and HIV. Most PHIVA did not report having access to comprehensive information on SRH and HIV, in part because of the early death of caretakers or unfavorable family status. Further integration of SRH services with HIV treatment programs is needed to provide comprehensive care for adolescents and prepare them for the transition to adult care.

Keywords:

• adolescent
• HIV
• perinatal
• sexual and reproductive health
• education
• transition

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank for the health care staff in Shangcai county CDC, children, and parents/guardians agreed to receive the survey.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Chinese Government, China National Pediatric Free ART Program, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Grants from the Important National Science and Technology Specific Projects in China, the 12th Five-Year Plan – Exploration and Application of Optimized Pediatric Antiretroviral Treatment [grant number 2012ZX10001004] and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).