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.