ResearchProjects

Young people living with HIV in adolescence through emerging adulthood (ages 16-28 years) have the lowest rates of regular engagement in HIV care and adherence to HIV medications of any age group, with Black and Latinx individuals experiencing the greatest barriers to favorable HIV health outcomes. To provide a detailed understanding of the factors that promote or impede HIV management in this group, the study will follow Black and Latinx youth/emerging adults living with HIV, half with optimal HIV health outcomes at enrollment (undetectable HIV viral load) and half without, for 18 months. Participants will engage in structured assessments, in-depth qualitative interviews, real-time ecological momentary assessments in two-week bursts, and biological tests (HIV viral load tests, drug tests), and a Youth Advisory Board comprised of youth living with HIV will help interpret findings in order to inform new policies, health care service practices, and interventions.