People living with HIV and changes in the daily routine arising from the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective

to identify the changes in the routine of people living with HIV resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

a qualitative research study, developed through a semi-structured interview, with 46 people living with HIV treated at a service specialized in infectious diseases in the inland of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The data were submitted to lexicographic analysis, with the aid of the IRaMuTeQ software, using the methods of Classical Textual Statistics, Word Cloud and Descending Hierarchical Classification.

Results

distinct changes were identified in the daily routine of people living with HIV due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the use of preventive measures, such as wearing a mask and social isolation, in addition to changes in the work and leisure environment, in family life, individual emotional aspects and treatment.

Conclusion and implications for the practice

many changes, challenges of a physical, biological and psychosocial nature have been shown by the participants in the face of the global pandemic scenario, mainly resulting from social isolation. To this end, coping strategies become essential in the everyday lives of people living with HIV in order to guarantee continuity and uninterrupted treatment, and the prevention of a syndemic, thus mitigating the repercussions of COVID-19 on the health of the individuals who belong to the risk group.

Keywords:
Coinfection; Coronavirus Infections; HIV Infections; Pandemics; Social Isolation