Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 in people of Black ethnicities living with HIV in the United Kingdom.

Ottaway, Z.; Campbell, L.; Fox, J.; Burns, FM.; Hamzah, L.; Schoeman, S.; Price, D.; Clarke, A.; Pett, SL.; Onyango, D.; Sabin, C.; Miller, RF.; Post, FA.

Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 in people of Black ethnicities living with HIV in the United Kingdom.

All Authors

Ottaway, Z.

Campbell, L.

Fox, J.

Burns, FM.

Hamzah, L.

Schoeman, S.

Price, D.

Clarke, A.

Pett, SL.

Onyango, D.

Show 3 more

LTHT Author

Schoeman, Sarah

LTHT Department

Specialty & Integrated Medicine
Genitourinary Medicine

Publication Date

2025

Item Type

Journal Article

Abstract

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected people of Black ethnicities, however, there are limited data on the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 infection in these populations, and none in those with HIV. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in people of Black ethnicities with HIV in the UK. Participants were assessed for functional impairment, frailty, respiratory symptoms, anxiety and depression; they were also asked to rate aspects of their physical and mental health on a scale from 1 (poor) to 10 (excellent), both at enrolment and prior to the pandemic. We report associations with COVID-19 history and recovery status. Results We enrolled 183 participants between June 2021 and October 2022, 131 (72%) of whom reported COVID-19. A history of COVID-19 was associated with a reduced ability to carry out usual activities (OR 2.54 [1.03-6.21], p = 0.04), an increase in pain, tiredness and breathlessness, and overall decline in physical health. Of those with a history of COVID-19, 111 (85%) reported to have fully recovered. Those who had not fully recovered reported poorer functional status (p < 0.001) and had higher generalised anxiety scores (p = 0.02). Objective measures of physical function were similar in those who reported no COVID-19, COVID-19 with full recovery, and COVID-19 with incomplete recovery. Conclusions In this cohort of Black people with HIV, participants with a history of COVID-19 reported a reduced ability to carry out activities of daily living and various other health issues. Although most people reported full recovery from COVID-19, self-reported limitations in functional status and anxiety were common sequelae.