Impact of the initial wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan on local HIV services: Results from a cross-sectional online survey.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV services in Taiwan.

Methods

An online, cross-sectional survey was conducted among people living with HIV (PLWH), individuals at risk of HIV infection (IAR), and service prescribers between 20th October and 30th November, 2020. Representatives from patient advocacy groups were interviewed.

Results

In total, 66 PLWH, 104 IAR, and 32 prescribers from Taiwan completed the survey. Mild to moderate disruptions to HIV-related services (including medical consultation, HIV-related testing, and medications) were found by the survey, with IAR appearing more affected than PLWH. Nine (13.6%) PLWH and 31 (29.8%) IAR reported disruptions in hospital/clinic visits and two (3.0%) PLW

SUBMITTER: Liu WD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8940267 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature