The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on People with HIV in Victoria, Australia: 1 Year Later.

In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia had <30,000 COVID-19 cases. Formerly stringent public health measures are now relaxed and vaccinations are available. We compared pandemic impacts on Victorians with HIV (people with HIV [PWHIV]) over time. Two surveys were developed with HIV stakeholder groups appraising demographics, concern, and pandemic impacts. The latter included vaccination, mental health, and quality of life questions. Recruitment was through social media and Alfred and Monash Health HIV-clinics (first survey August 26 to November 26, 2020; second survey October 30, 2021 to January 31, 2022). The surveys had 153 and 95 respondents, respectively. Demographics were similar. Most reported negatively impacted mental health (68%). Most (56%) required mental health services, of these, 39% could not access them. Rates of concern increased. Ninety percent had two COVID-19 vaccinations. Both surveys demonstrated HIV and non-HIV-care provision. PWHIV reported concern and negative impacts. Improved mental health services access is needed to optimize PWHIV quality of life.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on People Living with HIV in Victoria, Australia.

As of January 12, 2021, Australia has reported 28,634 COVID-19 cases. Most (20,411) cases are from the state of Victoria. In response to rising infections and community transmission in July 2020, on August 2nd, several restrictions were imposed for the following 111 days, including an 8pm curfew, a travel restriction to 5 km from home, and closure of nonessential services. It is unknown how this affected people living with HIV (PLHIV), who already experience disproportionate levels of mental health issues, comorbidity, and stigma. An online survey was designed with HIV community-based organizations to investigate the impact of the pandemic on Victorian PLHIV. Participants were recruited voluntarily both through social media and Infectious Diseases clinics at participating hospitals. There were 153 respondents. Most were male (77%), aged between 30 and 60 years (77%), and Australian-born (63%). Forty-three percent, 31%, and 25% reported negative impacts upon personal relationships, employment, and income, respectively. HIV care continued with 95% and 98% being able to access their HIV provider and antiretroviral therapy (ART), respectively. Telehealth was used by 92% and was largely well received. PLHIV reported worry about physical health (68%), mental health (66%), finances (50%),z and accommodation (25%). Fifty percent of participants reported weight gain and 27% increased alcohol intake. This study demonstrated the widespread negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on PLHIV in Victoria, although provision of HIV care and ART continued uninterrupted. This highlighted the importance of mental health support and social welfare programs during times of health care and societal strain.