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

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