Human immunodeficiency virus infections in adolescents

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, once largely confined to adolescents with hemophilia, has come to involve the general adolescent population. Individuals younger than 22 years comprise up to 25% of the people newly infected with HIV. Unsafe sexual practices, intravenous drug abuse, homelessness, psychiatric disorders, and inadequate psychosocial support are only some of the factors that have contributed to the epidemic. Present data indicate that interventions have had a positive impact on adolescent behavior in preventing the continuing spread of the disease, but more needs to be accomplished before we consider the problem controlled. Although proper medical treatment and providing adequate psychological and social support to adolescents who are already infected constitute an important aspect of care, the true solution of the problem lies in altering the behavior and practices that lead to the acquisition of this infection.