HIV Testing and Care Engagement Youth

Perceptions of Risks and Benefits of Participating in HIV Cure-related Research among Diverse Youth and Young Adults Living with HIV in the United States

Investigators: Parya Saberi (PI), Karine Dubé, John Sauceda (co-I), Chad Campbell (Research Coordinator)

Researchers investigated attitudes toward participating in HIV cure-related research among a diverse national sample of young adults living with HIV (YLWH), using quantitative and qualitative approaches. They aimed to 1) explore the level of knowledge, interest, concerns, motivators, and deterrents of participating in HIV cure research among YLWH ages 18–29-year-old; 2) quantify willingness to participate in HIV cure research (addressing motivators and deterrents) and responses to real-world HIV cure research scenarios. They worked with a Youth Advisory Panel to help guide the research.

Study data provided essential information that can assist future researchers in the nuances of conducting HIV cure research with YLWH, informing them of recruitment strategies; guiding clinicians who wish to advise their patients about participation in HIV cure-related research; directing community leaders in community engagement methods; and allowing the voices of YLWH to be heard by the medical and research communities. 10 articles have been published as a result of this study.  

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Published articles related to Youth4cure: 
DOI: 10.1097/QAI.0000000000003128, DOI 10.1097/QAI.0000000000003188

DOI: 10.1089/AID.2022.0005, DOI: 10.1097/QAI.0000000000003035, DOI: 10.21037/mhealth-21-54 DOI: 10.1089/AID.2021.0149, DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.2001783, DOI: 10.1089/AID.2020.0268, DOI: 10.1097/QAI.0000000000003199 DOI: 10.1016/j.jve.2021.100062
 

What does it mean to be youth-friendly? Results from qualitative interviews with health care providers and clinic staff serving youth and young adults living with HIV

Investigators: Parya Saberi, Kristin Ming, Carol Dawson-Rose

More research regarding youth living with HIV (YLWH) and tailoring health care delivery to the unique and complex needs of this population is needed. Researchers conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with health care providers and staff members at clinics and organizations serving YLWH in the San Francisco Bay Area to examine facilitators of and barriers to engagement in care among YLWH at the system and provider/staff level, as well as the barriers to using technology-based forms of communication with YLWH to improve retention and engagement in care. 

Various facilitators of and barriers to engagement in care among YLWH were noted: clinic location and service setting, flexible hours and use of technology, and nonjudgmental providers/staff. System-level challenges included the lack of technology use in organizations and clinics; provider/staff-level challenges included time constraints and familiarity with technology; and youth-level challenges included changing mobile telephone numbers and relationships with providers/staff. Results can provide guidance for clinics and institutions providing care for YLWH