The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on HIV and AIDS care provision in South Africa : an integrative literature review

Abstract

Worldwide, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has negatively impacted healthcare services, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) care. In 2020, the attention shifted from HIV and AIDS to COVID-19, and as a result, there was a decline in using HIV services, such as antiretroviral treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis. Moreover, people living with HIV cancelled and/or missed their clinic appointments due to fears of contracting the virus. The aim of this paper was to explore the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on HIV and AIDS care provision in South Africa. In this integrative review, Google Scholar, Scopus, EBSCOhost, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases as well as literature on HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 were searched for publications between 2020 and 2022. Out of 255 publications, 150 were considered irrelevant, 105 were potentially eligible, and 30 were fully screened. In total, only 12 research papers met inclusion criteria. From the literature reviewed, 4 themes and related sub-themes emerged. The findings revealed reduced HIV testing and monitoring, missing and cancellation of appointments, a decline in antiretroviral treatment initiation services and other services, such as antiretroviral treatment collections and adherence, were all affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 had a negative impact in the uptake, HIV monitoring, and adherence to antiretroviral drugs by people living with HIV. The use of telehealth, de-centralization, online classes, and call centers can be some of the innovative strategies that South Africa can adapt, which will help in the prevention of care and avoidance of negative impacts of future pandemics on the health of South Africans.