COVID-19 Knowledge, Anxiety, and Access to Voluntary Counseling and Testing Among People With HIV During the COVID-19...

The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruption in health care services. Many essential services were delayed by health care facilities, including voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services for people living with HIV. There were many reports of interruption in HIV testing, antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, and also ART access for people living with HIV during the pandemic. Patients were unable to attend follow-ups and acute care visits due to fear and anxiety. This situation also caused stress for people living with HIV.

This study aimed to determine the level of COVID-19 knowledge, anxiety, and access to VCT services for people living with HIV.

This cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted with 200 participants at 1 public hospital in Samarinda (n=140, 70%) and 1 public hospital in South Jakarta (n=60, 30%), Indonesia, from August 2022 to April 2023. Sampling was done using convenience methods and predefined inclusion criteria. Data collection included a demographic information form, COVID-19 knowledge questionnaire, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and a questionnaire assessing access to health services.

Both COVID-19 knowledge (odds ratio 11.246, 95% CI 11.246; P=.001) and anxiety (odds ratio 2.258, 95% CI 2.216; P=.03) had a positive and significant relationship with access to health services. A multivariate analysis showed that the most influential factor affecting access to VCT services was knowledge (P=.001; B=2.289).

This study highlights the need for enhanced support and education for people living with HIV or AIDS regarding their knowledge of and anxiety related to COVID-19, particularly considering their vulnerabilities. To ensure compliance with health protocols in future pandemics, it is crucial to improve access to health care services. One key recommendation is to enhance the VCT service system, especially for people living with HIV or AIDS, during public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, services such as telemedicine and telehealth should be further developed to allow people living with HIV or AIDS to receive ART without the need for in-person hospital visits.