An exploratory study of factors associated with difficulties in accessing HIV services during the COVID-19 pandemic among Chinese gay and bisexual men in Hong Kong

AbstractBackground The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in the disruption of provision human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) services. This study examined factors associated with difficulties accessing HIV services during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods An online survey 236 Chinese-speaking gay and bisexual men Hong Kong conducted 2020. Results Among those who expressed a need to access pandemic, 22.9%, 33.9% 43.2% indicated moderate-to-high, mild no these services, respectively. Difficulties were positively related concerns about potential infection, experience actual impact on health because COVID-19, work/studies, reduced connection LGBT+ community It was also found that frequency having sex casual partners, but not significantly regular partners. Conclusions provides novel empirical evidence for understanding work/studies partners