COVID-19 Incidence and Factors Influencing Infection Risk Among People Living With HIV in Türkiye: Is Current Issue the Vaccine Hesitancy-Opposition?

As the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic intersects with the ongoing Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) crisis, concerns have emerged regarding the susceptibility of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) to severe outcomes from COVID-19. Despite global efforts to understand the interplay between HIV/AIDS and COVID-19, research on this issue remains limited in Türkiye. This study investigates the incidence of COVID-19 among PLWH in Türkiye and factors influencing infection risk. An online survey, conducted from April to June 2023, assessed COVID-19 frequency and risk factors among PLWH aged 18 years and older in Türkiye. Demographic data such as age, gender, educational background, underlying health conditions, vaccination status, and COVID-19 infection history were collected from individuals who voluntarily participated. A total of 354 PLWH from 38 cities in Türkiye participated in the study. The median age was 35.8 (range 18-76); 78% were male and 65.5% were university graduates. The rate of experienced COVID-19 among PLWH was 44.6%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that vaccinated individuals had an 84% lower risk of contracting COVID-19 among PLWH. In sum, 80 participants were not vaccinated in this study; of them, 27.5% identified as vaccine opponents and 25% expressed vaccine hesitancy. These findings suggest that vaccination status is the key determinant of COVID-19 susceptibility among young and well-educated PLWH in Türkiye. The notable level of vaccine hesitancy and opposition of PLWH highlights the need for public health initiatives aimed at addressing misinformation and enhancing vaccine confidence. This study underscores the urgent need to address vaccine hesitancy and vaccine opposition among educated PLWH in Türkiye. Amid evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants, vaccination remains paramount in mitigating COVID-19 risks among PLWH. Further research should delve deeper into demographic-specific vaccine concerns to optimize public health strategies and meet the unique needs of PLWH communities.