“A problem shared is half solved” – a qualitative assessment of barriers and facilitators to adolescent retention in HIV care in western Kenya

Qualitative interviews with peri-natally infected infants in western Kenya aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators of treatment retention among adolescents–a group at high risk of dropping out of care.  The study found that those who felt supported by family, peers and clinic staff are able to overcome the barriers to treatment such as stigma and poverty.  This study highlights that access must be accompanied by social support to retain adolescents in HIV treatment.