Response of Care Services for Patients with HIV/AIDS during a Pandemic: Perspectives of Health Staff in Bolivia.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
; 19(20)2022 Oct 19.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2082095
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented crisis striking health services, generating risks of setbacks in health care and affecting the most vulnerable populations such as HIV patients. This study aims to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the operational management of health services for people living with HIV/AIDS in Cochabamba, Bolivia. We applied a qualitative approach using semi-structured in-depth interviews with ten key health professionals who care for patients with HIV/AIDS in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and uploaded to Atlas.ti software for analysis. We used an ethnographic approach within the interpretive paradigm to carry out the thematic analysis, considering the "Determinants of health systems resilience framework" of five dimensions developed by the World Health Organization. Even though the provision of services in public care services was not interrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, health service delivery was severely affected. Digital technology could be used to compensate in urban areas. Regarding the distribution of medications, adaptative strategies to reduce patient complications were implemented. Unfortunately, the complementary tests availability was limited. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on HIV/AIDS patient care services in Cochabamba, with repercussions for HIV treatment access and virologic suppression.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
HIV Infections
/
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
South America
/
Bolivia
Language:
English
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Ijerph192013515
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