Objective

To examine HAART use.

Methods

HIV+ youth, aged 14-29 (n=253; 71% male; 74% ethnic minority), were recruited in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York.

Results

Almost all youth had been offered HAART (84%); 77% had ever used it, 54% were currently using, and 63% of users adhered to 90% of their medications. Compared to non-users, users were more likely to be female, Latino or African American. Users were also more likely to have the following: AIDS, positive coping styles, social support, and a high quality of life. Users were less likely to: do jail time, perform sexual-risk acts, and use substances.

Conclusions

HIV+ youth self-select to use HAART.