Author
Listed:
- Annemarie Reilingh
(Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1115 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 8, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands)
- Jenneke Van Ditzhuijzen
(Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1115 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 8, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands)
- Thijs Albers
(Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 8, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands)
- Hanna Bos
(Soa Aids Netherlands, Condensatorweg 54, 1014 AX Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
- John De Wit
(Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 8, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands)
Abstract
Surveillance data from the Netherlands show that STI/HIV testing decreased at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting barriers to access to STI/HIV care. However, the impact of the pandemic on STI/HIV care may be more complex, and key populations could be differentially affected. The aim of this study was to gain more insight into the impact of COVID-19 on STI/HIV care in the Netherlands from the perspective of STI/HIV care providers. We investigated whether professionals in STI/HIV care experienced changes compared to pre-COVID in access to STI/HIV care for priority populations, demand and provision of STI/HIV care, shifts to online STI/HIV counseling and care, and the quality assurance of STI/HIV care. An online survey was completed by 192 STI/HIV care professionals. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were held with 23 STI/HIV care professionals. According to participants, people in vulnerable circumstances, such as recent migrants and people with low health or digital literacy, may have had difficulties accessing STI/HIV care during the pandemic, especially during lockdowns and at public sexual health services. Hence, these may not have received the care they needed. Participants thought that COVID-19 measures may have compounded existing disparities. Furthermore, participants found that online care provision was not up to standard and were concerned about follow-up care for patients using private online providers of remote tests. It is important to explore how STI/HIV care for people in vulnerable circumstances can be ensured in future public health crises.
Suggested Citation
Annemarie Reilingh & Jenneke Van Ditzhuijzen & Thijs Albers & Hanna Bos & John De Wit, 2024.
"The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on STI and HIV Services in the Netherlands According to Health Care Professionals,"
IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(6), pages 1-13, May.
Handle:
RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:6:p:678-:d:1401656
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