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Background Due to concerns about the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 pandemic on health services, we examined its effects on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) services in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods Quarterly data (Q1, 10/2019–12/2019; Q2, 1/2020–3/2020; Q3, 4/2020–6/2020; Q4, 7/2020–9/2020) from 1059 health facilities in 11 countries were analyzed and categorized by stringency of pandemic measures. We conducted a difference-in-differences assessment of HIV service changes from Q1–Q2 to Q3–Q4 by higher vs lower stringency. Results There was a 3.3% decrease in the number HIV tested from Q2 to Q3 (572 845 to 553 780), with the number testing HIV-positive declining by 4.9% from Q2 to Q3. From Q3 to Q4, the number tested increased by 10.6% (612 646), with an increase of 8.8% (23 457) in the number testing HIV-positive with similar yield (3.8%). New antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiations declined by 9.8% from Q2 to Q3 but increased in Q4 by 9.8%. Across all quarters, the number on ART increased (Q1, 419 028 to Q4, 476 010). The number receiving viral load (VL) testing in the prior 12 months increased (Q1, 255 290 to Q4, 312 869). No decrease was noted in VL suppression (Q1, 87.5% to Q4, 90.1%). HIV testing (P <.0001) and new ART initiations (P =.001) were inversely associated with stringency. Conclusions After initial declines, rebound was brisk, with increases noted in the number HIV tested, newly initiated or currently on ART, VL testing, and VL suppression throughout the period, demonstrating HIV program resilience in the face of the COVID-19 crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression in people living with HIV/AIDS (acquired immune-deficiency syndrome) (PLWHA) increases risky HIV transmission behaviour, disease progression to AIDS, negatively affects drug adherence and is thus a risk for the development of drug-resistant strains. This study sought to identify predictors of depression in rural Cameroon. A cross-sectional analytic study was carried out from September 2013 to November 2013 in the Mbengwi district hospital of the North West region. We measured depression (PHQ-9 (nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire)), clinical and demographic characteristics of patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Means, proportions and a stepwise logistic regression model were fit to describe participants’ characteristics and predictors of depression in the study population. Of the 202 recruited patients, 58(28.7%) had a positive depression screen. Independent predictors of depression included monthly income less than 20,000 FCFA (US$40), (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.47; 95% CI = 1.18–5.18), CD4 count <200 cls/µl (aOR = 7.56; 95% CI = 2.46–23.30) and presence of AIDS symptoms (aOR = 4.29; 95% CI = 2.09–8.81). There was no significant correlation between duration on ART, marital status, age, gender and depression. Early diagnosis and treatment of depressed patients need to be incorporated into intervention programmes, which might improve patient outcomes. More research is needed to investigate the impact of antidepressant therapy in PLWHA on the evolution of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]