NCJ Number
119926
Journal
Journal of Adolescent Health Care Volume: 10 Issue: 3 Supplement Dated: (May 1989) Pages: 48S-49S
Date Published
1989
Length
2 pages
Annotation
Recommendations to improve service delivery to adolescents who have AIDS are offered.
Abstract
Since some adolescents frequently engage in high-risk sexual and drug activities, the incidence of AIDS in this age group may increase. In addition, some adolescents are becoming infected at an early age; because many of these adolescents have compromised immune systems, actual cases of AIDS in these youth may become more common, even with the typically long latency period of the virus. AIDS-related services for adolescents should be conceptualized as a continuum, including prevention for high-risk adolescents and specialized services. Attention to emotional and social needs is as important as attention to medical needs. Seven specific service and treatment recommendations are outlined: (1) every community should establish a youth advocacy consortium or task force that represents a cross-section of interests and services; (2) effective services for HIV-positive youth must be based on knowledge and understanding of the concerns and needs of adolescents; (3) a comprehensive system of care should be developed for seropositive youth; (4) special services should be developed for adolescents with frank AIDS; (5) adolescents should be permitted to participate in clinical trials; (6) adolescents should be assured of confidentiality in treatment; and (7) the quality of care for adolescents should be assessed and evaluated on an ongoing basis to insure that services are available, accessible, sensitive, and appropriate.