Accepted for/Published in: Asian/Pacific Island Nursing Journal
Date Submitted: Mar 30, 2025
Date Accepted: Apr 3, 2026
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COVID-19 Knowledge, Anxiety, Access to Voluntary Counseling and Testing For People With HIV During Pandemic
ABSTRACT
Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic has made significant disruption in health care service. Many of essential services have been delayed by the healthcare facilities, including VCT service for people living with HIV (PLWH). There are many reports of interruption in HIV testing, ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) initiation and also ART access for PLWH during pandemic. Patients were unable to attend follow-ups and acute care visits due to the fear and anxiety. This situation may cause stress for PLWH
Objective:
This study aimed to determine level of COVID-19 knowledge, anxiety and access to VCT for PLWH
Methods:
This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted with the total participation of 200 at one public hospital in Samarinda (140) and one public hospital in South Jakarta (60), August 2022 – April 2023. Sampling was done using convenience methods, who met inclusion criteria. Data collection included a demographic information form, Knowledge of COVID-19, Corona Anxiety Scale (CAS), Access to Health Service
Results:
COVID-19 knowledge has a positive and significant relationship with access to health service (OR=11.246, p=0.001). Anxiety has a positive and significant relationship with access to Health service (OR=2.258, p= 0.025). Multivariate analysis showed the most factors influence access to VCT services is knowledge (p=0.001, B= 2.289)
Conclusions:
This study showed that COVID-19 knowledge and anxiety are related to access health service. COVID-19 knowledge is the most influence factors. Therefore, it is suggested to increase COVID-19 knowledge and the more attention to anxiety related COVID-19. Also, education anxiety management skill should be included in continuing nursing education Clinical Trial: Not applicable
Citation
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