What Happens at Adolescent and Young Adult HIV Clinics? A National Survey of Models of Care, Transition and Disclosure Practices in Kenya

Objective: Tailored services for adolescents and young adults (AYA) living with HIV may improve treatment outcomes. We surveyed HIV clinics throughout Kenya to determine AYA clinic practices, disclosure and transition services.

Methods: We deployed a mobile team to conduct surveys in a random sample of 102 public HIV clinics with> 300 total clients. Data were collected from healthcare workers offering AYA services who had >6 months of experience delivering AYA care.

Results: Of 102 surveyed HIV clinics, almost all (101/102) had the same staff to provide services to all age groups. AYA-specific services included dedicated clinic days (91%), the majority being on weekends (57%) and designated clinic spaces (20%). Activities to support AYA retention and adherence were common (support groups [97%] and HIV literacy meetings [93%]). Fewer clinics offered more holistic care, including psychosocial support (16%) and career education (2%), posted additional staff during the AYA day (17%), provided food (17%) or had sporting activities (10%) as incentives. Tracking of disclosure of HIV status to AYA was common (87%). In 40% of clinics, disclosure discussions with caregivers or AYA occurred a median of 2 years later in practice than stated in clinic policy. Transition was not routinely tracked, and definitions were heterogeneous. Median age at transition was reported as 20 years (range: 14-30 years).

Conclusion: HIV programmes have implemented varied approaches to enhance AYA services that could be leveraged to support transition to adult services. Research on the impact of these services on health outcomes is needed.