Factors associated with readiness to start antiretroviral therapy (ART) among young people (15–24 years) at four HIV clinics in Mulago Hospital,Uganda

IntroductionGlobally, the HIV burden continues to rise among young people despite the discovery of ART. This study assessed demographic and psycho-social factors among young people associated with readiness to be initiated on ART.MethodsA quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among newly diagnosed HIV positive young people aged 15–24 years at 4 HIV clinics at Mulago Hospital. Readiness was measured as a self-report by the individual to the question, “How ready do you feel to start ART?ResultsOf the 231 young people enrolled, the mean age (SD) was 20.7years (+/-2.8) and most were female (66.2%). Majority were very ready (53.3%) and very motivated (51.1%) to start ART. Higher treatment readiness was associated with being female (95% CI [5.62, 8.31], p=0.003), thinking that ART cures HIV (95% CI [0.43, 0.86], p=0.005), history of having unprotected sex (95% CI [0.79, 0.87], p=<0.001), anticipating negative HIV results (95% CI [0.26, 0.88], p=0.017), internalized stigma (95% CI [0.83, 0.98], p=0.018) and knowledge of positive ART effects for others (95% CI [0.84, 0.93], p=<0.001).ConclusionsUnderstanding the underlying factors associated with ART readiness among young people can inform strategies to support and increase individuals'' readiness to initiate ART and early engagement in care.