Abstract:
Characterizing HIV acquisition modes among adolescents with HIV (AHIV) enrolling in care during adolescence is a
challenging gap that impacts differential interventions. We explored whether primary data collection with targeted
questionnaires may address this gap and improve understanding of risk factors and perceptions about adolescents’
HIV acquisition, in Kenyan AHIV entering care at ≥10 years, and their mothers with HIV (MHIV). Clinical data were
derived through chart review. Among 1073 AHIV in care, only 26 (2%) met eligibility criteria of being ≥10years at
care enrollment, disclosed to, and with living MHIV. Among 18/26 AHIV-MHIV dyads enrolled (median age of AHIV
14years), none had documented HIV acquisition modes. Data suggested perinatal infection in 17/18 AHIV, with 1
reported non-perinatal acquisition risk factor, and some discordance between adolescent-mother perceptions of
HIV acquisition. In this difficult-to-enroll, vulnerable population of AHIV-MHIV dyads, primary data collection can
enhance understanding of AHIV acquisition modes
