|
Title
|
|
|
|
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the medical follow-up and psychosocial well-being of people living with HIV : a cross-sectional survey
|
|
|
Author
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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. 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. 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). 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. |
|
|
|
Language
|
|
|
|
English
|
|
|
Source (journal)
|
|
|
|
JAIDS. - Philadelphia, Pa
|
|
|
Publication
|
|
|
|
Philadelphia, Pa
:
2020
|
|
|
ISSN
|
|
|
|
1525-4135
|
|
|
DOI
|
|
|
|
10.1097/QAI.0000000000002468
|
|
|
Volume/pages
|
|
|
|
85
:3
(2020)
, p. 257-262
|
|
|
ISI
|
|
|
|
000587802600005
|
|
|
Pubmed ID
|
|
|
|
32826562
|
|
|
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Full text (open access)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
|
|
|
|
|
|