Examining the Relationship Between Psychosocial Factors with Knowledge of HIV-Positive Status and Antiretroviral Therapy Exposure Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women Living with HIV in South Africa.

ABSTRACT

Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) living with HIV have poor antiretroviral therapy (ART) outcomes. We examined the relationship between psychosocial factors with knowledge of HIV-positive status and antiretroviral therapy exposure among AGYW living with HIV in South Africa. Participants 15-24 years responded to a survey including socio-demographics, psychosocial factors, and HIV testing. Blood was collected to determine HIV status and ART exposure. Multivariable analyses were conducted using R. Of 568 participants with HIV, 356 had knowledge of their HIV-positive status. Social support from family [aOR 1.14 (95% CI 1.04-1.24)] or from a special person [aOR 1.12 (95% CI 1.02-1.23)] was associated with knowledge of HIV-positive status. Resilience [aOR 1.05 (95% CI 1.01-1.08)] was the only psychosocial factor associated with a higher odds of ART exposure. Social support and resilience may increase knowledge of HIV-positive status and ART exposure among South African AGYW.