A comparative analysis of social support, risk behaviors, and HIV health service use among adolescent and young males and females in Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains the leading cause of death in Zambia. While females are disproportionately affected by HIV, males – especially young males – are vulnerable to the disease due to a variety of risk factors. This study aimed to understand what, if any, sex-related differences exist between young females and males on social support, risk behavior, and HIV healthcare utilization issues. Methods: Baseline survey responses from an implementation trial (NCT03995953) were examined for 863 females and