Congruence of Transition Perspectives Between Adolescents With Perinatally-Acquired HIV and Their Guardians: An Exploratory Qualitative Study

• Congruence of transition perspectives was assessed between adolescents with PHIV and their guardians.
• Adolescents and guardians agreed that the transition process had not started.
• Fewer dyads agreed upon the level of adolescent and guardian transition involvement.
• Congruence of perspectives may influence transition outcomes.
• Providers should independently assess adolescent and guardian view of transitions.

Youth with perinatally-acquired HIV infection (PHIV) routinely survive into adulthood requiring transition to adult care. Research underscores the importance of assessing transition perspective congruence between adolescents and guardians. Interviews focused on transition decisions were conducted with 18 adolescents with PHIV and their guardians recruited from a southeastern US pediatric infectious disease clinic. Transcribed responses were coded as congruent or divergent. Adolescents and guardians held congruent views that the transition process had not started. Fewer dyads agreed upon the level of adolescent and guardian involvement in transition decisions. Providers should assess congruence of adolescent and guardian perspectives regarding transition-related decisions.