Persistent disparities in COVID-19-associated impacts on HIV prevention and care among a global sample of sexual and gender minority individuals.

TitlePersistent disparities in COVID-19-associated impacts on HIV prevention and care among a global sample of sexual and gender minority individuals.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2022
AuthorsSantos, G-M, Hong, C, Wilson, N, Nutor, JJohn, Harris, O, Garner, A, Holloway, I, Ayala, G, Howell, S
JournalGlob Public Health
Volume17
Issue6
Pagination827-842
Date Published2022 Jun
ISSN1744-1706
KeywordsAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, COVID-19, Cross-Sectional Studies, HIV Infections, Humans, Minority Groups, SARS-CoV-2, Sexual and Gender Minorities, Sexual Behavior
Abstract

As COVID-19 continues to persist, there is a need to examine its impact among sexual and gender minority individuals, especially those with intersecting vulnerabilities. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with a global sample of sexual and gender minority individuals ( = 21,795) from October 25, 2020 to November 19, 2020, through a social networking app. We characterised the HIV prevention and HIV treatment impacts of COVID-19 and the COVID-19 mitigation response and examined whether subgroups of our study population are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Many sexual and gender minority individuals reported interruptions to HIV prevention and HIV care and treatment services. These consequences were significantly greater among people living with HIV, racial/ethnic minorities, immigrants, individuals with a history of sex work, and socio-economically disadvantaged groups. These findings highlight the urgent need to mitigate the negative impacts of COVID-19 among sexual and gender minority individuals.

DOI10.1080/17441692.2022.2063362
Alternate JournalGlob Public Health
PubMed ID35435149