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Sexual and reproductive health in a UK cohort of young adults perinatally infected with HIV

Abstract

Objectives To assess sexual health and behaviour outcomes of young adults with perinatally acquired HIV-1 (PaHIV), and audit sexual health interventions against published standards of care.

Methods Retrospective case note audit of 16–25-year-olds with PaHIV attending a dedicated transition clinic from January 2005 to 2011.

Results Fifty-two young adults, 31 women, median age 20 years. 41 were sexually active; median age of coitarche 16 years. Median number of lifetime partners was 3.5, and five reported non-consensual sex. All had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) screen; 6 were diagnosed with an STI, genital warts (human papilloma virus) most frequently. The median interval from coitarche to first STI screen was 2 years. The pregnancy incidence was 103 per 1000 person years. 18/25 (72%) sexually active women had a cervical smear, four had colposcopy. All patients had hepatitis B virus (HBV) serology. 47 had not been vaccinated against HBV prior to transition. 23 completed HBV vaccination of which 11 had surface antibody >100 IU/ml at 1 year.

Conclusions The majority of our cohort was sexually active while still under the care of paediatric health services. Cervical screening and hepatitis B vaccination rates fell short of audit standards. Vaccination for hepatitis B should be considered prior to transfer of care to adult HIV services.

  • ADOLESCENT
  • PERINATAL INFECTION
  • HIV
  • HEPATITIS B
  • SEXUAL HEALTH

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