Revista de SIDA e investigación clínica

The First Reaction to COVID-19 Disruptions for Elderly HIV-positive People in Ukraine

Abstract

Julie Rozonov

In March 2020, Ukraine enforced a COVID-19 shutdown. We conducted a telephone survey of 123 older HIV-positive individuals (OPWH) between April and June 2020 to evaluate their mental health, involvement in HIV and other healthcare, and substance use using standardised scales. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were the main variables of interest. Models of univariate and multivariable Firth logistic regression were created to evaluate variables related to (1) anxiety and (2) depressive symptomatology. The results showed that 10.6% of people had high suicidal thoughts, 45.5% of them fulfilled the criteria for moderate to severe depression, and 35.0% of them met the criteria for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). Being female (AOR: 2.83, 95%CI = 1.19-7.05), being concerned about potential obstacles to HIV treatment (AOR: 8.90, 95%CI = 1.31-104.94), and actively using drugs (AOR: 34.53, 95%CI = 3.02-4885.85) were all independent predictors of experiencing moderate to severe depression.