“We Are Not Different than Others”: A Qualitative Study of the Lived Experience of Hispanic Adolescents and Young Adults Living with Perinatally Acquired HIV

Cynthia Fair (), Leandra Fraser, Mackenzie Zendt, Maria Santana-Garces, James Homans, Alice Stek and Eva Operskalski
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Cynthia Fair: Department of Public Health Studies, Elon University, Elon, NC 27244, USA
Leandra Fraser: Department of Infectious Disease, University of Southern California Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
Mackenzie Zendt: Department of Public Health Studies, Elon University, Elon, NC 27244, USA
Maria Santana-Garces: Department of Public Health Studies, Elon University, Elon, NC 27244, USA
James Homans: Department of Infectious Disease, University of Southern California Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
Alice Stek: Department of Infectious Disease, University of Southern California Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
Eva Operskalski: Department of Infectious Disease, University of Southern California Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 4, 1-9

Abstract: Though Hispanic youth with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) comprise 14% of those living with PHIV, little research has documented their lived experiences. Eighteen Hispanic adolescents and young adults (AYA) with PHIV were recruited from two pediatric infectious disease clinics in California (mean age = 20.8 years, 12 females and 6 males). Interview transcripts were analyzed for emergent themes regarding relationships, childbearing intentions, and future career aspirations. Participants acknowledged HIV as cause for rejection and fear of transmission from partners. Most desired children in the future. Those with children (n = 7) expressed a strong desire to continue their education for the benefit of their children. Many did not view HIV as a barrier to their career aspirations. HIV influenced their daily lives. However, the challenges of poverty, loss, and trauma also significantly shaped their well-being. Health care providers offered emotional and instrumental support which helped AYA make progress towards their goals.

Keywords: Hispanic; adolescents and young adults; perinatally acquired HIV; lived experience (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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