Evaluating the Mental Health (MH) impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for stable patients with HIV.

Abstract

People living with HIV (PLWH) have a higher prevalence of mental ill health compared to the general population. We aimed to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and omitting routine HIV appointments on the mental health (MH) of PLWH. Between April 2020 and March 2021, routine appointments for "stable" PLWH were replaced by virtual consultations. MH assessments using standardised questionnaires were compared before and during the pandemic. Full data were available for 426 individuals after excluding those with incomplete data and those requiring early review for non-MH-related issues. The results showed that 277 (65%) experienced no/minimal MH symptoms throughout, indicating robust MH. For depression, scores worsened in 59 (13.8%), improved in 62 (14.6%) and remained stable in 305 (71.6%). For anxiety, scores worsened in 55 (12.9%), improved in 64 (15%) and remained stable in 307 (72.1%). A total of 98.4% of individuals remained virally suppressed, with 7 developing a detectable viral load. One person stopped antiretroviral treatment secondary to an MH crisis. Findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly impact the overall MH in our cohort of PLWH. It also demonstrates an effective implementation of virtual consultations. The complex nature of MH in PLWH highlights the need for individualised MH care.