Experiences of HIV-Positive Adolescents and Young Adults in Care in Soweto, South Africa

Abstract

The authors of this qualitative study explored clinic experiences of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) attending HIV treatment at the Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Soweto, South Africa. Focus group discussions were conducted with 18 AYAs to elicit perspectives about the clinic and the staff, ideas for improvements, and opinions about clinic transfer. Three themes emerged: preference for personalized patient–provider relationships, suggestions for clinic improvements, and negative perceptions of transfers to community clinics. The findings provide insight into building youth-friendly HIV treatment services. Further research is needed to understand if negative perceptions of transfers to community clinics will translate into poor retention.

KEYWORDS:

• adolescents
• young adults
• HIV
• care
• South Africa
• perinatal transmission

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank Dineo Tsotetsi for translations and transcriptions, Dr. Lerato Mohapi and Dr. Avy Violari for facilitating clinic access, and the AYA participants and their parents for generously sharing their time and insights with us.

Notes

*Multiple responses allowed.