Trends in People Living with HIV in the Face of Economic Recession Caused by COVID-19

Norberto Palange, Assane Jamal, Atanasio Cinquenta, Asimbawe Kiza, Artur dos Santos, Porf?rio Rosa, Rodolfo Chissico

Abstract: Background: AIDS remains a public health problem. Soon after outbreak of COVID-19 scientists rapidly investigated different dimensions of the pandemic. However, little has been done to screen People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in rural and urban areas vis-?-vis the economic shock. Material and Methods: We conducted cross-sectional research to explore this knowledge gap through a comparative analysis of status quo of patients enrolled in antiretroviral services. Ten healthcare professionals were interviewed and 477 patients inquired in Nampula. Results: Before COVID-19 23.7% (n=154) patients were unemployed, 40% (n=191) self-employed with low-income, and 20.2% (n=96) employed. The situation prevails as it was before the pandemic for 67.7% (n=317) patients. Overall income drop is fixed in 73.8% (n=352) with 51.7% (n=182) for rural patients. Significant difference was found in eating difficulties in patients by gender (p. <0.05). Extremely in-need patients receive support from relatives (70.8%, n=119) or neighbour (3.6%, n=6) being female more vulnerable (78.4%, n=98). Conclusion: COVID-19 slowed down patients? income and worsened food insecurity. In light of this evidence, we predict that achievement of UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets by 2030 may also be slowed down, calling for actions to reverse the scenario.

Keywords: PLHIV, Antiretroviral therapy, COVID-19, Economic shock, Rural and Urban areas