Zech Jennifer M, Zerbe Allison, Mangold Michael, Akoth Steve, David Redempta, Odondi Judith, Naitore Doris, Ndede Kelvin, Hsu Allison, Hawken Mark, Harris Tiffany G, Abrams Elaine J
ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America.
Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America.
PLOS Glob Public Health. 2024 Dec 13;4(12):e0004064. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0004064. eCollection 2024.
Young adults with HIV (YAHIV) may be particularly vulnerable to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, associated mitigation measures among YAHIV can adversely impact fragile social and economic systems. We examined the impact of the pandemic and related government-mandated restrictions among YAHIV in Kisumu, Kenya. Between April-May 2021, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among a convenience sample of YAHIV 18-25 years receiving HIV care in Kisumu, Kenya. The information collected included demographics, COVID-19 knowledge, protective measures, and the impact of the pandemic and related restrictions on their daily lives and well-being since the start of the pandemic (i.e., curfews, lockdowns, school/workplace closures). Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Of 275 YAHIV: median age 22 years (IQR: 19-24 years); 178 (65%) female; 222 (81%) completed some secondary education or higher; 108 (39%) lived in an informal housing area. Awareness of COVID-19 was high (99%), mean knowledge score was 4.32 (SD: 0.93; range 1-5) and most reported taking protective measures. Overall, 193 (70%) reported they were affected by COVID-19 and associated restrictions. Almost half (49%) reported changes in a living situation; 24% living with different people, 11% had moved/relocated, and 5% were newly living on the street. Additionally, respondents reported increased verbal arguments (30%) and physical conflict (16%) at home with 8% reporting someone having used/threatened them with a weapon, 12% experiencing physical abuse, 7% being touched in a sexual way without permission, and 5% had forced sex. Impacts of the pandemic and related restrictions were felt across various aspects of YAHIV's lives, including disrupted living situations and increased exposure to verbal and physical conflict, including sexual violence. Interventions are needed to address the impact and potential negative long-term effects of the pandemic on YAHIV health and well-being.
感染艾滋病毒的年轻人（YAHIV）可能特别容易受到新冠疫情的影响。在这种情况下，YAHIV群体中相关的缓解措施可能会对脆弱的社会和经济系统产生不利影响。我们研究了肯尼亚基苏木YAHIV群体中疫情及相关政府强制限制措施的影响。2021年4月至5月期间，对肯尼亚基苏木接受艾滋病毒治疗的18至25岁YAHIV群体的便利样本进行了一项横断面调查。收集的信息包括人口统计学特征、新冠知识、防护措施，以及自疫情开始以来（即宵禁、封锁、学校/工作场所关闭）疫情及相关限制对他们日常生活和福祉的影响。使用描述性统计分析回复。在275名YAHIV中：年龄中位数为22岁（四分位距：19 - 24岁）；178名（65%）为女性；222名（81%）完成了一些中等教育或更高学历；108名（39%）居住在非正规住房区。对新冠的知晓率很高（99%），平均知识得分为4.32（标准差：0.93；范围1 - 5），大多数人报告采取了防护措施。总体而言，193名（70%）报告他们受到了新冠及相关限制的影响。几乎一半（49%）报告生活状况发生了变化；24%与不同的人一起生活，11%搬家/重新安置，5%新住在街上。此外，受访者报告家中言语争吵增加（30%）和身体冲突增加（16%），8%报告有人使用武器/用武器威胁他们，12%遭受身体虐待，7%未经允许被性骚扰，5%被迫发生性行为。疫情及相关限制的影响在YAHIV生活的各个方面都能感受到，包括生活状况的混乱以及遭受言语和身体冲突（包括性暴力）的风险增加。需要采取干预措施来应对疫情对YAHIV健康和福祉的影响以及潜在的长期负面影响。
