Lewis TAJ, Kaiser ME, Goldshteyn N, Sepkowitz D, Briggs WM. A Retrospective Analysis of the Disruptions in the
HIV Continuum of Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons From a Clinic-Based Study.
Cureus 2024;
16:e53416. [PMID:
38314380 PMCID:
PMC10834068 DOI:
10.7759/cureus.53416]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected healthcare services, including HIV patient care. This study assessed the impact of the pandemic on diverse aspects of care for individuals living with HIV (PLWH).
METHODS
Patient data from 2019 to 2021 were collected using the Cascades template, provided by the New York State Department of Health, focusing on viral testing and suppression outcomes. Age, ethnicity, sex, and race were considered variables and analyzed via chi-square analysis, logistic regression model, and F test.
RESULTS
The pandemic significantly reduced viral testing in 2020 due to restrictions and closures, but telemedicine and tele-pharmacy helped maintain care. Age was a crucial factor, predicting higher viral testing and suppression odds for older individuals, but no significant differences were observed between patient gender, race, or ethnicity in obtaining viral testing or achieving suppression.
CONCLUSIONS
While limitations existed, this study provides insights into sustaining care during crises, highlighting the importance of innovative healthcare delivery methods and age-sensitive approaches for PLWH.
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