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Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Medical Follow-up and Psychosocial Well-Being of People Living With HIV: A Cross-Sectional Survey.
- Source :
-
Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes (1999) [J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr] 2020 Nov 01; Vol. 85 (3), pp. 257-262. - Publication Year :
- 2020
-
Abstract
- Background: Empirical data on the consequences of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on HIV care are lacking. We surveyed people living with HIV (PLWH) in different countries to investigate whether their medical follow-up and psychosocial well-being had been compromised due to COVID-19 and associated restrictions.<br />Methods: In April 2020, a cross-sectional survey among PLWH was conducted using a web-based multilingual questionnaire. The research tool assessed HIV follow-up, psychosocial well-being, COVID-19 (flu-like) symptoms and prevention measures. Consenting respondents provided answers anonymously.<br />Results: Three hundred seventeen PLWH were included (mean age 43.4 ± 11.7; 71.6% men); 60.3% of participants resided in Belgium and Brazil. One hundred forty (44.2%) reported experiencing a cold with at least one flu-like symptom since January 2020. Of the 18 who reported COVID-19 test results, 4 (22.2%) were positive. Seventy-four (23.3%) respondents screened positive for major depressive disorders, whereas 72 (22.7%) had generalized anxiety disorders. Fifty-six (17.7%) respondents reported difficulties in obtaining antiretroviral medications because of COVID-19-related measures. Adaptations of HIV care during the COVID-19 outbreak included greater quantities of antiretroviral refill in 67 (21.1%), phone consultations in 25 (7.9%), and new refill sites in 12 (3.9%). Factors associated with a reduced risk of experiencing flu-like symptoms included flu vaccination during the past 12 months (P = 0.005) and adaptations of HIV care during the COVID-19 pandemic (P = 0.010).<br />Conclusion: COVID-19 and associated restrictive measures seem detrimental to the well-being and follow-up of PLWH. We recommend that health systems devise innovative approaches for antiretroviral provision and psychosocial support to PLWH during such outbreaks.
- Subjects :
- Adult
Aged
Anti-HIV Agents therapeutic use
Anxiety
Belgium
Brazil
COVID-19
Cross-Sectional Studies
Depression
Europe, Eastern
Female
HIV Infections drug therapy
Humans
Influenza, Human complications
Influenza, Human prevention & control
Male
Middle Aged
Pandemics
Psychology
SARS-CoV-2
Surveys and Questionnaires
Young Adult
Betacoronavirus
Coronavirus Infections complications
Coronavirus Infections psychology
HIV Infections complications
HIV Infections psychology
Pneumonia, Viral complications
Pneumonia, Viral psychology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1944-7884
- Volume :
- 85
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes (1999)
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 32826562
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1097/QAI.0000000000002468