Abstract

MAYMAN, Yolanda R.  and  VAN WYK, Brian. The impact of COVID-19 on HIV treatment of adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review. Health SA Gesondheid (Online) [online]. 2023, vol.28, pp.1-7. ISSN 2071-9736.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v28i0.2226.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents living with HIV are a key population who are susceptible to poor health. The global coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and widespread national COVID-19 restrictions has disrupted health service delivery and HIV support services, affecting treatment adherence among adolescents with HIV AIM: This study aimed to review the available literature on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the HIV treatment of adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa METHOD: Seven online databases were searched for articles published between 2020 and 2022 that focused on the impact of COVID-19 on adolescents living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy. A data charting extraction form and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol (PRISMA) flowchart were used for screening and reporting the articles in this review. A narrative synthesis was conducted RESULTS: Five overarching themes emerged from the articles in this review, which highlighted the mental, social, and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the impact of the reallocation of healthcare services and challenges to accessing HIV care services on the antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence of adolescents living with HIV CONCLUSION: The global COVID-19 pandemic affected adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa in many ways, but very little research has been done to describe the various ways in which the physical and mental well-being of adolescents were impacted CONTRIBUTION: The findings of this review can be used to further inform policies and interventions aimed at the care and well-being of adolescents on antiretroviral therapy within sub-Saharan Africa

Keywords : COVID-19; adolescents; HIV; antiretroviral therapy; treatment outcomes adherence; social support; economic impact.

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