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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Elizabeth A. Eastwood, PhD¹, Jeffery Birnbaum, MD, MPH², Patricia Antoniello, PhD¹, and Alexander Kaysin, BA¹. (1) Dept. Health & Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College, City University of NewYork, 2900 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11210, 718-951-500 X2755, eastwood@brooklyn.cuny.edu, (2) Dept. Pediatrics, Downstate Medical Center, Kings County Hospital Center, 451 Clarkson Ave, HEAT Program, U bldg, 4th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11203

Background: This study describes differences between adolescent females with HIV (N=140) who have delivered live births (N=70) and those who have not (N=70) in one of the largest cohorts of youths in treatment for HIV in the U.S. Methods: Retrospective data were collected from an adolescent HIV treatment program between1991-2004. Variables included: demographics; sexual and reproductive history; substance use; mental health and behavioral history; past and current living situation; and sources of emotional and economic support. Univariate comparisons were made between the two groups, and multivariate comparisons were made using logistic regression. Results: Half (n= 70, 50.0%) had given birth and 28 (30.0%) have had more than one baby. The mean sample age was 18.1 years at program entry, and was predominantly African American (n=81, 57.9%) or Caribbean Islander (n=37, 26.4%). 43.1% were foreign born, and most had not completed high school (n=80, 60.8%). Most acquired HIV through heterosexual sex (n=113, 80.7%). Univariate analyses revealed multiple differences between the groups. A stepwise logistic regression using significant variables from the univariate analysis yielded three significant variables (÷2=25.04, df=3, p<.001). Adolescents giving birth were more likely (OR=6.67, 95CI 1.80-22.22, p=.005) to have been heterosexually infected, to have a history of unstable living situation (OR=4.71, 95CI 1.88-11.77, p=.001), and to rely on herself for emotional support (OR=2.96, 95CI 1.19-7.34, p=.02). Conclusions: This study justifies an urgency to screen for and provide specific services to address emotional supports, housing and living situations for young HIV infected mothers.

Learning Objectives:

• To describe and analyze the differences between adolescent females with HIV who give live birth compared to those who do not give live birth.

Keywords: Adolescents, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered