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Title
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Follow-up survey of the impact of COVID-19 on people living with HIV during the second semester of the pandemic
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Author
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Abstract
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| COVID-19 affects persons living with HIV (PLWH) both directly (via morbidity/mortality) and indirectly (via disruption of HIV care). From July-November 2020, an online survey was conducted to investigate the psychosocial well-being of PLWH and changes in HIV care during the second semester of the COVID-19 outbreak. Data were collected on the socio-demographic characteristics of PLWH, their psychosocial well-being, impact of COVID-19 preventive measures on their daily routines and HIV follow-up. Of the 247 responses analyzed (mean age: 44.5 +/- 13.2 years; 73.7% male), 67 (27.1%) and 69 (27.9%) respondents screened positive for anxiety (GAD-2 score >= 3) and depression (PHQ-2 score >= 3), respectively. HIV care had returned to pre-COVID-19 state for 48.6% PLWH, and 108 (43.7%) had no HIV follow-up during the past month. Over three quarters (76.1%) of respondents expressed willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Compared to previous findings in April 2020, substance use increased from 58.6% to 67.2% (p < 0.001). Our findings suggest that the well-being and medical follow-up of PLWH are still affected after almost a year into the COVID-19 outbreak. Remote HIV follow-up (telemedicine) with psychosocial support should be envisaged in the medium to long-term. Given that most PLWH accept COVID-19 vaccination, they may be prioritized for this intervention. |
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Language
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English
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Source (journal)
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International journal of environmental research and public health. - Basel, 2004, currens
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Publication
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Basel
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MDPI
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2021
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ISSN
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1661-7827
[print]
1660-4601
[online]
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DOI
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10.3390/IJERPH18094635
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Volume/pages
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18
:9
(2021)
, 11 p.
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Article Reference
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4635
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ISI
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000650279600001
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Pubmed ID
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33925506
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Medium
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E-only publicatie
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Full text (Publisher's DOI)
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Full text (open access)
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