Strengthening prevention and support for HIV-positive youth in New York City

Issue

As of 2008, more than 5000 young people between 13-24 were living with HIV in New York City, including both youth infected through behavioral risk factors and perinatally-infected youth. HIV-infected young adults face unique challenges like social isolation, disclosure, treatment adherence, negotiating safe sexual relationships, and managing public benefits/entitlements.

Description

The Young Adult Program (YAP) was established at a Manhattan hospital center to provide weekly psychoeducational and psychosocial support groups that complement the hospital's comprehensive primary medical care, mental health and case management services. The goal of YAP is to serve as a stable “second family” for young people and assist them in the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. To date, 61 HIV-infected young adults (ages 16-25) have participated in the program. An average of 14 youth attend each weekly group.

Lessons Learned

YAP is innovative in that it brings together perinatally- and behaviorally-infected youth and creates a space where they find common ground and support each other in the challenges of living with HIV. Additionally, staff have noted a connection between YAP participation and increased engagement in care, including adherence to medical appointments and ARV treatment.

Recommendations

Goals include expanding the use of social media for retention and recruitment, establishing a youth peer program, and offering additional support groups for young HIV-positive mothers and fathers. A study has been initiated to examine the impact that participation in YAP has on patients' treatment compliance. Other institutions serving positive youth may benefit from learning more about the YAP model.