scholarly journals Follow-Up Survey of the Impact of COVID-19 on People Living with HIV during the Second Semester of the Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4635
Author(s):  
Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo ◽  
Edlaine Faria de Moura Villela ◽  
Stijn Van Hees ◽  
Pieter Vanholder ◽  
Patrick Reyntiens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Daily Routines ◽  
Persons Living With Hiv ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Impact

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.

scholarly journals Impact of caring for people living with HIV on the psychosocial well-being of palliative caregivers

Curationis ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lavashni Valjee ◽  
Alta C. Van Dyk
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Impact

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) continues to be a serious public health issue, and it is often the caregivers who carry the brunt of the epidemic. Caregivers of people with AIDS face distinctive demands that could make them more prone to occupational stress, with serious consequences for their psychosocial well-being. The impact of caring for people living with HIV infection on the psychosocial well-being of palliative caregivers was investigated using in-depth interviews and questionnaires in 28 participants. The results indicated no burnout, but occupational stress was prevalent. Factors impacting negatively on well-being were stressors inherent in AIDS care, such as suffering and dying of the persons being cared for, work-related stressors such as heavy workload, lack of support and ineffective coping mechanisms. Positive aspects of caring such as job satisfaction, holistic palliative care, effective coping mechanisms and psychosocial support were identified. Recommendations to curb the negative effects of caregiving are provided.

scholarly journals Recreational Drug Use in People Living with HIV in Spain: Factors Associated with Drug Use and the Impact on Clinical Outcomes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Castro-Granell ◽  
Noé Garin ◽  
Ángeles Jaén ◽  
José Luis Casado ◽  
Lorna Leal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Recreational Drug ◽  
Recreational Drugs ◽  
Antiretroviral Adherence ◽  
Recreational Drug Use ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Impact

AbstractWe analysed the impact of recreational drug use (RDU) on different outcomes in people living with HIV (PLHIV). A multicentre retrospective cohort study was performed with two cohorts of PLHIV included: people using recreational drugs (PURD) vs. people not using recreational drugs (PNURD). Overall, 275 PLHIV were included. RDU was associated with men having sex with men (OR 4.14, 95% CI [1.14, 5.19]), previous sexually transmitted infections (OR 4.00, 95% CI [1.97, 8.13]), and current smoking (OR 2.74, 95% CI [1.44, 5.19]). While the CD4/CD8 ratio increased amongst PNURD during the follow-up year, it decreased amongst PURD (p = 0.050). PURD presented lower scores of self-reported and multi-interval antiretroviral adherence (p = 0.017, and p = 0.006, respectively), emotional well-being (p < 0.0001), and regular follow-up (p = 0.059), but paid more visits to the emergency unit (p = 0.046). RDU worsens clinical, immunological, and mental health outcomes amongst PLHIV.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Persons Living With HIV by Enrollment Status in Washington, DC: Evaluation of a Large Longitudinal HIV Cohort Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenevieve Opoku ◽  
Rupali K Doshi ◽  
Amanda D Castel ◽  
Ian Sorensen ◽  
Michael Horberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Disease Stage ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Disease ◽  
Persons Living With Hiv ◽  
Living With Hiv

BACKGROUND HIV cohort studies have been used to assess health outcomes and inform the care and treatment of people living with HIV disease. However, there may be similarities and differences between cohort participants and the general population from which they are drawn. OBJECTIVE The objective of this analysis was to compare people living with HIV who have and have not been enrolled in the DC Cohort study and assess whether participants are a representative citywide sample of people living with HIV in the District of Columbia (DC). METHODS Data from the DC Health (DCDOH) HIV surveillance system and the DC Cohort study were matched to identify people living with HIV who were DC residents and had consented for the study by the end of 2016. Analysis was performed to identify differences between DC Cohort and noncohort participants by demographics and comorbid conditions. HIV disease stage, receipt of care, and viral suppression were evaluated. Adjusted logistic regression assessed correlates of health outcomes between the two groups. RESULTS There were 12,964 known people living with HIV in DC at the end of 2016, of which 40.1% were DC Cohort participants. Compared with nonparticipants, participants were less likely to be male (68.0% vs 74.9%, <i>P</i>&lt;.001) but more likely to be black (82.3% vs 69.5%, <i>P</i>&lt;.001) and have a heterosexual contact HIV transmission risk (30.3% vs 25.9%, <i>P</i>&lt;.001). DC Cohort participants were also more likely to have ever been diagnosed with stage 3 HIV disease (59.6% vs 47.0%, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), have a CD4 &lt;200 cells/µL in 2017 (6.2% vs 4.6%, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), be retained in any HIV care in 2017 (72.9% vs 59.4%, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), and be virally suppressed in 2017. After adjusting for demographics, DC Cohort participants were significantly more likely to have received care in 2017 (adjusted odds ratio 1.8, 95% CI 1.70-2.00) and to have ever been virally suppressed (adjusted odds ratio 1.3, 95% CI 1.20-1.40). CONCLUSIONS These data have important implications when assessing the representativeness of patients enrolled in clinic-based cohorts compared with the DC-area general HIV population. As participants continue to enroll in the DC Cohort study, ongoing assessment of representativeness will be required.

scholarly journals Consequences of COVID-19 crisis for persons with HIV: the impact of social determinants of health

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristie C. Waterfield ◽  
Gulzar H. Shah ◽  
Gina D. Etheredge ◽  
Osaremhen Ikhile
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Persons Who Inject Drugs ◽  
Persons Living With Hiv ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background With the indiscriminate spread of COVID-19 globally, many populations are experiencing negative consequences such as job loss, food insecurity, and inability to manage existing medical conditions and maintain preventive measures such as social distancing and personal preventative equipment. Some of the most disadvantaged in the COVID-19 era are people living with HIV/AIDS and other autoimmune diseases. Discussion As the number of new HIV infections decrease globally, many subpopulations remain at high risk of infection due to lack of or limited access to prevention services, as well as clinical care and treatment. For persons living with HIV or at higher risk of contracting HIV, including persons who inject drugs or men that have sex with men, the risk of COVID-19 infection increases if they have certain comorbidities, are older than 60 years of age, and are homeless, orphaned, or vulnerable children. The risk of COVID-19 is also more significant for those that live in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, rural, and/or poverty-stricken areas. An additional concern for those living the HIV is the double stigma that may arise if they also test positive for COVID-19. As public health and health care workers try to tackle the needs of the populations that they serve, they are beginning to realize the need for a change in the infrastructure that will include more efficient partnerships between public health, health care, and HIV programs. Conclusion Persons living with HIV that also have other underlying comorbidities are a great disadvantage from the negative consequences of COVID-19. For those that may test positive for both HIV and COVID-19, the increased psychosocial burdens stemming from stress and isolation, as well as, experiencing additional barriers that inhibit access to care, may cause them to become more disenfranchised. Thus, it becomes very important during the current pandemic for these challenges and barriers to be addressed so that these persons living with HIV can maintain continuity of care, as well as, their social and mental support systems.

scholarly journals Free access to antiretroviral treatment and protection against the risk of catastrophic health expenditure in people living with HIV: evidence from Cameroon

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marwân-al-Qays Bousmah ◽  
Marie Libérée Nishimwe ◽  
Christopher Kuaban ◽  
Sylvie Boyer
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Health Expenditure ◽  
Antiretroviral Treatment ◽  
Catastrophic Health Expenditure ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Free Access ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Art Policy ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background To foster access to care and reduce the burden of health expenditures on people living with HIV (PLHIV), several sub-Saharan African countries, including Cameroon, have adopted a policy of removing HIV-related fees, especially for antiretroviral treatment (ART). We investigate the impact of Cameroon’s free antiretroviral treatment (ART) policy, enacted in May 2007, on catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) risk according to socioeconomic status, in PLHIV enrolled in the country’s treatment access program. Methods Based on primary data from two cross-sectional surveys of PLHIV outpatients in 2006–2007 and 2014 (i.e., before and after the policy’s implementation, respectively), we used inverse propensity score weighting to reduce covariate imbalances between participants in both surveys, combined with probit regressions of CHE incidence. The analysis included participants treated with ART in one of the 11 HIV services common to both surveys (n = 1275). Results The free ART policy was associated with a significantly lower risk of CHE only in the poorest PLHIV while no significant effect was found in lower-middle or upper socioeconomic status PLHIV. Unexpectedly, the risk of CHE was higher in those with middle socioeconomic status after the policy’s implementation. Conclusions Our findings suggest that Cameroon’s free ART policy is pro-poor. As it only benefitted PLHIV with the lowest socioeconomic status, increased comprehensive HIV care coverage is needed to substantially reduce the risk of CHE and the associated risk of impoverishment for all PLHIV.

scholarly journals 1325. Inpatient Initiation of ART Improves Short-Term Mortality in People Living with HIV

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S479-S479
Author(s):  
Jamie Campbell ◽  
Christopher Polk ◽  
Danya Roshdy ◽  
Michael Leonard
Keyword(s):  
Hospice Care ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Virologic Suppression ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Patient Admissions ◽  
Short Term Mortality ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Treatment of HIV is recommended as soon as possible and early initiation of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) is associated with improved engagement in care; however, treatment with cART is often deferred in hospitalized patients despite being correlated with improved outcomes. We implemented an institutional intervention to ensure all people living with HIV (PLwH) were on cART during hospitalization to improve patient outcomes. Methods We prospectively identified all PLwH hospitalized at our institution and had ID physicians and pharmacists ensure they were on appropriate cART and linked to outpatient care. We retrospectively collected clinical and lab data to assess the impact of our intervention on inpatient mortality, 30-day mortality, 30-day readmission rate, and frequency of outpatient follow-up. Patients were excluded from analysis if they were admitted for hospice care. Results We identified 389 patient admissions in 275 unique patients, of which 304 admissions were already on cART at admission. After ID physician assessment, 37 of the 85 not on cART at admission were initiated on therapy. We assessed the impact of this intervention on short-term outcomes as listed in Table 1. Despite the intervention group having similar immunologic and virologic baseline characteristics to those not initiated on cART, their inpatient and 30-day mortality was similar to those already on cART. Readmission rates also decreased in the intervention group. Thirteen of 24 patients in the intervention group who could be tracked for long-term follow-up within our system achieved virologic suppression by 90 days after hospital discharge. Conclusion Inpatient treatment with cART during hospitalization improves short-term mortality outcomes. This study also demonstrates the value of inpatient cART treatment as most patients achieved virologic suppression at subsequent outpatient follow-up. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals 1309. Effects of a Pharmacist-Driven Antiretroviral Stewardship and Transitions of Care Service in Persons Living with HIV/AIDS

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S471-S472
Author(s):  
Marisa B Brizzi ◽  
Rodrigo M Burgos ◽  
Thomas D Chiampas ◽  
Sarah M Michienzi ◽  
Renata Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Care Service ◽  
Transitions Of Care ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Outpatient Clinics ◽  
Readmission Rates ◽  
Implementation Phase ◽  
Persons Living With Hiv ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Aids

Abstract Background Historical data demonstrate that PLWHA experience higher rates of medication-related errors when admitted to the inpatient setting. Prior to initiation of this program, rapid-start initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) was not implemented prior to discharge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-driven antiretroviral stewardship and transitions of care service in persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Methods This was a retrospective pre- and post-analysis of PLWHA hospitalized at University of Illinois Hospital (UIH). Patients included were adults following at UIH outpatient clinics for HIV care admitted to UIH for acute care. Data were collected between April 19, 2017 and October 19, 2017 for the pre-implementation phase, and between July 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018 for the post-implementation phase. The post-implementation phase included an HIV-trained clinical pharmacist (Figure 1). Primary and secondary endpoints included follow-up rates at UIH outpatient HIV clinics, 30-day readmission rates, and access to medications at hospital discharge. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and Fisher’s Exact test. Results A total of 119 patients were included in the analysis, 66 in the pre-implementation phase and 53 in the post-implementation phase. Patients included were mostly black males with median age of 48. In the pre-implementation phase 50 out of 65 (77%) patients attended follow-up visits for HIV care at UIH outpatient clinics, vs. 42 out of 47 (89%) patients in the post-implementation phase (P = 0.1329). Thirty-day readmission occurred in 17 of 62 (27%) patients in the pre-implementation phase vs. 5 of 52 (10%) of patients in the post-implementation phase (P = 0.0183). During the post-implementation phase, the HIV pharmacist secured access of ART and opportunistic infection medications prior to discharge for 22 patients (42%), 2 of which were new diagnoses. Conclusion A pharmacist-led antiretroviral stewardship and TOC program led to a decrease in 30-day readmission rates in PLWHA. Although not significant, the HIV-pharmacist led to higher rates of clinic follow-up. Finally, the HIV-pharmacist helped secure access to ART and initiate rapid-start therapy in newly diagnosed patients prior to leaving the hospital. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Medical Follow-up and Psychosocial Well-Being of People Living With HIV: A Cross-Sectional Survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-262
Author(s):  
Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo ◽  
Edlaine Faria de Moura Villela ◽  
Stijn Van Hees ◽  
Thalia Tibério dos Santos ◽  
Pieter Vanholder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Living With Hiv

Assessing the impact of food insecurity on HIV medication adherence in the context of an integrated care programme for people living with HIV in Vancouver, Canada

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 683-690 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrina Koehn ◽  
Taylor McLinden ◽  
Alexandra B Collins ◽  
Patrick McDougall ◽  
Rosalind Baltzer-Turje ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Integrated Care ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Care Programme ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractObjective:Food insecurity, or self-reports of inadequate food access due to limited financial resources, remains prevalent among people living with HIV (PLHIV). We examined the impact of food insecurity on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) adherence within an integrated care programme that provides services to PLHIV, including two meals per day.Design:Adjusted OR (aOR) were estimated by generalized estimating equations, quantifying the relationship between food insecurity (exposure) and cART adherence (outcome) with multivariable logistic regression.Setting:We drew on survey data collected between February 2014 and March 2016 from the Dr. Peter Centre Study based in Vancouver, Canada.Participants:The study included 116 PLHIV at baseline, with ninety-nine participants completing a 12-month follow-up interview. The median (quartile 1–quartile 3) age was 46 (39–52) years at baseline and 87 % (n 101) were biologically male at birth.Results:At baseline, 74 % (n 86) of participants were food insecure (≥2 affirmative responses on Health Canada’s Household Food Security Survey Module) and 67 % (n 78) were adherent to cART ≥95 % of the time. In the adjusted regression analysis, food insecurity was associated with suboptimal cART adherence (aOR = 0·47, 95 % CI 0·24, 0·93).Conclusions:While food provision may reduce some health-related harms, there remains a relationship between this prevalent experience and suboptimal cART adherence in this integrated care programme. Future studies that elucidate strategies to mitigate food insecurity and its effects on cART adherence among PLHIV in this setting and in other similar environments are necessary.

scholarly journals 1313. Complementary Effects of Medical Follow-up and Virologic Suppression for Reincarcerated Inmates Living with HIV

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S474-S474
Author(s):  
Melissa E Badowski ◽  
R Kane Stafford ◽  
Brian W Drummond ◽  
Thomas D Chiampas ◽  
Sarah M Michienzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Virologic Suppression ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
History Of ◽  
Secondary Endpoints ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv 1

Abstract Background Although prison presents an opportunity to achieve virologic suppression (VS) among people living with HIV, continued success is not guaranteed upon release. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed in reincarcerated Illinois prisoners from January 1, 2016 to July 31, 2018. Patients were included if they were age ≥18 years, carried a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the time of release, and had CD4 and HIV-1 RNA labs drawn within 6 months of release and reincarceration. Potential subjects were excluded if reincarcerated within 30 days due to a technical violation and not receiving ART at the time of prison release. Primary and secondary endpoints were percent of patients achieving VS upon reincarceration and percent of patients following at an HIV clinic while released. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square, and paired t-tests. Results Among 505 patients released during the study period, 95 patients were reincarcerated and 80 were included (Figure 1). Demographic information can be found in Table 1. Fifty-one patients (64%) reported follow-up at an HIV clinic while released, whereas 29 (36%) did not. Patients who had VS at the time of prison release were more likely to make their follow-up appointment (90%) compared with those who did not (69%) (P < 0.001). In addition, patients making their follow-up appointment were also more likely to have VS at the time of reincarceration (86% vs. 10%, P < 0.001). Recidivist patients adherent to ART were less likely to experience decreases in mean CD4 count (P = 0.03) (Table 2). Subjects reporting a history of substance use were more likely not to re-engage in post-release HIV care (P = 0.001), but no difference was noted in patients with a documented psychiatric history (P = 0.2). Conclusion Patients failing to meet VS at the time of prison release should be targeted for more intensive re-entry medical and case management support to ensure adherence to follow-up and maintenance of immunologic function. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

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