JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Information concerning the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis on populations most affected by HIV (or key populations (KP)), and those working with these populations in community settings, is limited. Community-based organisations, working in the field of HIV and viral hepatitis, are well-placed to identify and meet the new needs of KP due to the health crisis.

Objective:

This paper describes the development and implementation of a multi-country community-based research program, EPIC, that aimed to: 1) study the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis on populations vulnerable to HIV and/or HCV as well as people living with HIV (PLHIV) and people living with HCV (PLHCV); 2) study the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on people working with these populations at the community level (community health workers (CHW)); 3) identify the key innovations and adaptations in HIV/HCV services. This paper also describes the development and implementation of the EPIC program within the capacity-building mission of Coalition PLUS, an international network of community-based organisations involved in the fight against HIV and viral hepatitis.

Methods:

This multi-country, cross-sectional, mixed-methods community-based research program was developed by Coalition PLUS community-based member organisations, and academic and community-based researchers. A general protocol and study documents were developed and shared with the Coalition PLUS network. To respect the community-based research approach and adapt to the different needs of communities during the COVID-19 health crisis, the protocol had a built-in flexibility that allowed participating organisations to adapt the study to local needs in terms of target population and specific themes of interest. Data were collected using surveys and/or interviews.

Results:

From July 2020 to May 2022, a total of 77 structures participated in the EPIC program. Across 32 countries, 119 studies were conducted: 67 quantitative and 52 qualitative. A total of 11 766 participants who identify with one or more key populations and/or are living HIV and/or HCV and 664 participants who work with these populations in community settings responded to the surveys. A total of 791 participants who identify with one or more key populations and/or are living HIV and/or HCV and 131 participants who work with these populations were interviewed for the qualitative studies. In line with the community-based approach, several opportunities to build local capacities in research were capitalized upon.

Conclusions:

This community-based research protocol mobilised member and partner organisations across the various Coalition PLUS networks in a collective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the EPIC program should provide data to describe the impact of the health crisis on KP and CHW and identify their emerging needs. Documentation of innovative solutions that were put into place in this context may help improve the provision of services post-COVID and for future health crises. Clinical Trial: N/A