Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.24869/psyd.2023.103

ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A FACE-TO-FACE SURVEY FROM TURKEY

Pınar Ergen ; Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology , Istanbul Medeniyet University Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
Aynur Görmez ; Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
Handan Ankaralı ; Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
Özlem Aydın ; Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology , Istanbul Medeniyet University Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
Naciye Betül Baysal ; Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology , Istanbul Medeniyet University Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
Yasemin Çağ ; Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been some difficulties in the routine care of people living with HIV
(PLWH).
Subjects and methods: We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on mental health of PLWH and their use of health
services. This study was conducted using the face-to-face interview method in the outpatient clinic of a university hospital, between
01.09.2020 and 30.11.2020. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and survey instrument designed by the researchers investigating
socio-demographic data and access to health services were used.
Results: The study included 217 patients, 91.7% (n=199) of whom were male. All of the patients were postponed their hospital
appointments, 60.8% were concerned about not being able to contact their physician and 53% had concerned about being
stigmatized if they went to the hospital. Of the participants, 27.6% had depression, 12.9% had anxiety and 8.3% had both depression
and anxiety. Low income, job loss, and fear of being stigmatized were associated with depression and anxiety. Lower level of
education, discontinuation of medications and lack of opportunity to work remotely were associated with depression, while history of
psychiatric illness, worry about not being able to contact their physician and cessation of antiretroviral therapy were associated with
higher anxiety levels.
Conclusion: It is important to develop strategies ensuring the continuity of care for PWLH and identify and support those with a
higher mental health impact.

Keywords

HIV; COVID-19; depression; anxiety

Hrčak ID:

307263

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/307263

Publication date:

17.4.2023.

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