Missed opportunity: low awareness of undetectable equals untransmittable (U = U) among adolescents living with HIV

Abstract

In 2022, South Africa (SA) had the second-highest HIV incidence rate among adolescents worldwide. This study’s participants were boys living in SA aged 15–19 years old, in a current dating or sexual relationship, and diagnosed with HIV before the age of 10. Despite the launch of campaigns to spread awareness of Undetectable equals Untransmittable (U = U), our findings showed that a significant number of adolescents living with HIV do not demonstrate an understanding of the concept. This highlights the importance of integrating U = U messaging in ongoing conversations with healthcare workers given the potential positive impact on adolescent wellbeing, transmission risk perception, and safer sexual practices.