Characteristics of Adolescents and Young Adults Living with HIV in a Care and Treatment Centre in a Tertiary Care Facility in Owerri, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background A generation of children with perinatally-acquired HIV or behaviorally acquired HIV (ABH) is now aging into adolescence and young adulthood (AYA). This increasing fraction of people living with HIV globally experience worse HIV care outcomes; therefore, understanding the unique sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of this population is vital for tailoring long-term care. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of 92 AYAs living with HIV was conducted between May and August 2025. Data on sociodemographics, risk behaviours, HIV-related knowledge, and treatment history were collected using a structured questionnaire, and clinical data, including viral load (VL), were extracted from medical records. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics depicted in percentages and frequency, while non-parametric tests were utilized to assess associations. Results Most of the adolescents and young adults were female 51 (55.4%), aged between 10–22 years, and a mean age of 15.7 ± 2.7, 82 (89.1%) were students and not sexually active. Substance use was low, with alcohol use documented by 12 (13%) participants, 3 (3.3%) had a history of tobacco use, and only 1(1.1%) used illicit drugs. A majority, 69 (75.0%), were aware of their HIV diagnosis, only 63(68.5%) knew their own positive status, and knowledge of HIV transmission routes was suboptimal. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence was reported as regular by 85 (92.4%), with 83(90.2%) currently on Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (TLD). Virological suppression was high, median latest viral load (VL): 20 copies/mL, IQR: 19–20. However, only 12(13.0%) had ever disclosed their status to anyone. Conclusion This cohort demonstrates successful virological control attributable to high adherence to modern ART regimens. However, critical gaps remain in status awareness, comprehensive knowledge of HIV transmission, and disclosure. These findings highlight the need for targeted multi-sectoral AYA-friendly interventions that address psychosocial needs and disclosure counseling, comprehensive sexual health education.