Prevalence and Correlates of Violence Among Adolescents and Young Adults Living With HIV in Western Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Violence against adolescents is underreported due to stigma and fear of retribution. This analysis used data from the Data-informed Stepped Care study. Young adults living with HIV (YLH) ages 10-24 years attending nine health care facilities in Western Kenya were enrolled. Behavioral survey data were collected at baseline and at 6-month follow-up. Among 1,384 YLH, prevalence of lifetime violence was 24% and 25% in female and male patients <20 years, and 48% and 42%, respectively, among those 20+ years. Among female patients <20 years, violence was associated with depression (prevalence ratio [PR] 3.10, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.92%-4.85%), stigma (PR 1.65, 95% CI 1.17-2.20), orphanhood (PR 1.74, 95% CI 1.10-2.87), and transactional sex (PR 3.27, 95% CI 1.32-5.90). During the COVID-19 pandemic, recent violence declined. Prevalence of violence was substantial, particularly among female YLH and associated with depression, stigma, orphanhood, and transactional sex.