Year: 2025 | Month: August | Volume: 15 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 210-229
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20250826
Impact of COVID-19 on the Management of People Living with HIV: A Systematic Review
Gladys Mkuyamba1, Eustarckio Kazonga1,2, Ketty Ndhlovu11, Chanda Mpundu1, Chiluba Mbulo1, Yasmina N. Maingaila1
1Department of Public Health, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Lusaka, Zambia
2School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Lusaka, Zambia
Corresponding Author: Gladys Mkuyamba
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated containment measures have raised concerns about their impact on healthcare systems beyond direct virus-related issues. Among these concerns is the potential disruption of HIV services. The objective of this study was to systematically assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on service delivery and treatment outcomes in people living with HIV (PLHIV).
Methods: A systematic search was conducted across online databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane, using relevant keywords. The search strategy adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist to ensure comprehensiveness and transparency and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools to assess the methodological quality of a study and to determine the extent to which a study has addressed the possibility of bias in the design, conduct and analysis.
Results: Our investigation revealed that studies primarily concentrated on HIV-positive patients, HIV clinics, and healthcare providers. These studies explored various facets of HIV care during the pandemic, including medication adherence and clinical appointment attendance. While most studies highlighted declines in adherence to treatment and attendance at clinical appointments, other aspects of HIV care received less attention.
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in interruptions in in-person visits, reduced treatment adherence, and increased mortality among PLHIV due to pandemic-related complications. Additionally, challenges such as psychological disorders, substance abuse, and stigma were exacerbated.
Key words: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Treatment outcomes, PLHIV, HIV/AIDS