The Psychosocial Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Youth Living with HIV in Western Kenya.
Jessica DyerKate WilsonJacinta BadiaKawango AgotJillian NearyIrene NjugunaJames KibugiElise HealyKristin Beima-SofieGrace John-StewartPamela KohlerPublished in: AIDS and behavior (2021)
The objective of this study was to assess psychosocial effects of COVID-19 among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in Kenya and to assess the feasibility of conducting behavioral surveys by phone. We adapted our protocol to administer telephone rather than in-person follow-up surveys and included questions about COVID-19. The majority of participants (99%) reported having heard of COVID-19; 23% reported no longer being able to go outside, 17% reported that they could no longer go to their regular clinic for medical care, and 3% reported that they could no longer get medication refills. PHQ-9 screening identified 9% (n = 45) with mild depression symptoms, and 1% (n = 3) with moderate-to-severe depression symptoms. Young adults 20-24 years old had more mild to severe depressive symptoms than the younger age groups (p < 0.001). Offering remote peer-support or mental health care, continuing to offer differentiated care services, and considering financial support will support the health and well-being of ALHIV.
Keyphrases
- depressive symptoms
- coronavirus disease
- sars cov
- mental health
- healthcare
- young adults
- sleep quality
- primary care
- early onset
- public health
- randomized controlled trial
- respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- palliative care
- physical activity
- affordable care act
- south africa
- pain management
- high intensity
- drug induced
- climate change
- social media
- health insurance
- medical education