Anxiety and associated factors related to COVID-19 among people living with HIV during later stage of the pandemic: a cross-sectional study in Thailand

Introduction:The outbreak of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has had widespread implications on mental health of people across the globe, including people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV).This cross-sectional study aimed to assess factors predicting COVID-19 anxiety among Thai PLHIV during later stage of the pandemic. Material and methods:A set of web-based questionnaires was sent to 204 PLHIV using a simple random sampling technique.Data were collected with a demographic characteristics form, evaluating knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19, and anxiety related to COVID-19.Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results:The majority of PLHIV reported adequate knowledge, positive attitude, and acceptable preventive behaviors against COVID-19, with anxiety reported at a mild level.COVID-19 anxiety scores were significantly higher in patients aged 60 years and over and in those, who had a family member or close friend infected with COVID-19.Knowledge and preventive practices regarding COVID-19 were significantly related to COVID-19 anxiety.Age, knowledge, and preventive practices against COVID-19 were factors, that predicted COVID-19 anxiety, with an explanatory power of 16.6% (adjusted R 2 = 0.166, F = 5.456, p < 0.05).Conclusions: COVID-19 outbreak has significantly influenced the anxiety related to COVID-19 among PLHIV.Our findings might be helpful for healthcare providers to develop effective interventions to alleviate COVID-19 anxiety in potential future outbreak.