Abstract
Many youth saw a rise in body mass index and obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic associated with virtual schooling and a lack of physical exercise options due to lockdown orders. However, the impact of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic on body mass index in HIV-infected youth on anti-viral therapy has not been studied. This study examined COVID-19's impact on body mass index in 157 behaviorally acquired and 39 perinatally acquired youth living with HIV. Retrospective chart analysis was conducted for body mass index records across pre-COVID, COVID, and post-COVID periods. Age and acquired type showed significant associations with increased body mass index. Limitations included missing data and physiological body mass index changes. The perinatally acquired group's body mass index increased by 1.6 during and 2.3 post-pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels. Longitudinal follow-up of body mass index changes is needed in this vulnerable population.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call