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The Initial Response to COVID-19 Disruptions for Older People with HIV in Ukraine

Julia Rozanova1,2,3, Katherine M Rich4, Frederick L Altice1,2,5,6

  • 1Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.

Geriatrics (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 22, 2022
PubMed

Insights

COVID-19 lockdowns in Ukraine significantly impacted older people with HIV (OPWH), increasing depression and anxiety. Mental health screening and telehealth are crucial for this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Mental Health
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

  • COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health restrictions present unique challenges for vulnerable populations.
  • Older people with HIV (OPWH) may face compounded risks due to pre-existing health conditions and potential disruptions to care.
  • Ukraine implemented a COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, necessitating an assessment of its impact on OPWH.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the mental health, healthcare engagement, and substance use of OPWH during the COVID-19 lockdown in Ukraine.
  • To identify factors associated with depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) among OPWH.
  • To explore the willingness of OPWH to provide peer support.

Main Methods:

  • A phone survey was conducted with 123 older people with HIV (OPWH) in Ukraine from April to June 2020.
  • Standardized scales were used to assess depression, anxiety, healthcare engagement, and substance use.
  • Univariate and multivariable Firth logistic regression models were employed to analyze associated factors.

Main Results:

  • High rates of suicidal ideation (10.6%), moderate to severe depression (45.5%), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (35.0%) were observed.
  • Independent correlates of depression included being female, concerns about HIV treatment barriers, and active drug use.
  • Being female and concerns about HIV treatment barriers were independently correlated with GAD. Over half (58.5%) were willing to provide peer support.

Conclusions:

  • COVID-19 restrictions in Ukraine negatively impacted the mental health of OPWH.
  • There is a critical need for systematic screening for psychiatric and substance use disorders in OPWH.
  • Telehealth strategies may be effective in delivering mental health support to OPWH during public health crises.

Keywords:
COVID-19 lockdownHIV careUkrainedepression and anxiety symptomsolder adults with HIVsubstance use

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