Reproductive and sexual health knowledge,experiences, and milestones in young adults with life-long HIV

ABSTRACT

Reproductive and sexual health outcomes of adults with perinatal human immunodeficiency virus (PHIV) have not been well-characterized. This prospective cross-sectional study of 35 adult persons living with HIV (PLWH) from early life and 20 matched HIV-negative controls assessed quality of life, depressive symptoms, HIV transmission knowledge, and sexual/reproductive behaviors through self-report questionnaires. PLWH scored significantly worse than controls on depressive symptoms (p?=?0.04) and two of six quality of life domains (p?=?0.03, p?=?0.0002). In contrast, PLWH scored significantly higher on transmission knowledge in the context of family planning (p?=?0.002). PLWH were more likely to learn about sex from healthcare providers (p?=?0.002) and were more confident in their sexual/reproductive health knowledge (p?<?0.05). Both groups reported inconsistent condom use, but PLWH were more likely to have planned pregnancies (p?=?0.005) and to share pregnancy planning with their partners (p?<?0.05). Despite the challenges of living with a chronic stigmatized condition, adults with PHIV were knowledgeable about HIV transmission and family planning and demonstrated sexual practices and reproductive outcomes similar to age-matched controls. However, sub-optimal rates of viral suppression, inconsistent condom use, and the psychosocial impact of living with HIV continue to require the attention of healthcare provides for young adults with PHIV.