Differences in presentation and follow-up between HIV-1 antibody positive teenagers and adults: the need for a more focused approach to care?

Our findings show a high rate of loss to follow-up in HIV-positive teenagers compared with adults. Of concern is the fact that this group also have high rates of sexually transmitted infections, unprotected sex and pregnancy. There is an urgent need to examine the reasons for this and adopt strategies to minimize risk-taking behaviour and to improve access to appropriate healthcare.