HIV TAC

Projektname
HIV infected adolescents in transition to adult care

Forschungsleitung
Dunja Nicca; Christian Kahlert

Forschungsteam
Jan Fehr, Sarah Haile, Romy Schmidhäusler, Pietro Vernazza, Christoph Rudin & the MoCHiV/SHCS

Zusammenarbeit mit
Fachhochschule Fribourg; Universitätsspitäler Basel, Bern, Zürich, Lausanne, Genf

Laufzeit
2011 bis 2014

Projektbeschreibung
Across a range of chronic conditions, the transition process of adolescents, from pediatric to adult care, has shown to be negatively influenced by diverse barriers. Despite the rising number of adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV, there is a paucity of research on the topic for this particular population.

The aim of this mixed methods study was to gain understanding on the transition process of adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV in Switzerland, in order to define areas for improvement. In specific health status, treatment factors and care continuity of patients 2 years before and after their transfer from paediatric to adult care have been compared with quantitative methods. Additionally, the needs of adolescents in the process of transition from pediatric to adult care have been explored from the perspective of adolescents and the their health care providers using a qualitative approach of thematic analysis.

There will be a first quantitative research phase where prospectively gathered data from the SHCS / MoCHiV databases will be extracted and analysed for the primary endpoints: CD4, VL, treatment change, loss to follow-up. All data available for the defined variables will be included, comprising the 24-month-period pre- and post-transition.
A qualitative research phase will follow. To explore experiences and needs of adolescents within the transition process, data will be collected by a) single interviews with adolescents (health care receiver) and b) focus group discussions with their health care providers. Questions related to the quantitative results, will be integrated in interviews and focus group discussions. Analysis will be conducted by using critical content-analysis.