COVID-19 Testing and the Impact of the Pandemic on the Miami Adult Studies on HIV Cohort

Abstract

Background: Socioeconomic disadvantages and potential immunocompromise raise particular concerns for people living with HIV (PLWH) and other marginalized communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we explored COVID-19 testing and the impact of the pandemic among participants from the Miami Adult Studies on HIV cohort, predominantly composed of low-income minorities living with and without HIV. Methods: Between July and August 2020, a telephone survey was administered to 299 Miami Adult Studies on HIV participants to assess COVID-19 testing, prevention behaviors, and psychosocial stressors. Health care utilization, antiretroviral adherence, food insecurity, and substance use during the pandemic were compared with those of their last cohort visit (7.8 ± 2.9 months earlier). Results: Half of surveyed participants had been tested for COVID-19, 8 had tested positive and 2 had been hospitalized. PLWH (n = 183) were 42% times less likely than HIV-uninfected participants to have been tested. However, after adjustment for age, employment, COVID-19 symptoms, mental health care, and substance use, the effect of HIV status was no longer significant. PLWH were more likely to have seen a health care provider, use face coverings, and avoid public transportation and less likely to be food insecure and drink hazardously. There were significant changes in substance use patterns during the pandemic when compared with those before. Conclusion: PLWH, compared with their HIV-uninfected peers, were more likely to engage in preventive measures and health care during the pandemic, potentially reducing their exposure to COVID-19. There were no reported changes in antiretroviral adherence or health care utilization, but there were changes in substance use; these need to be monitored as this crisis progresses.

HIV, psychological resilience, and substance misuse during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-cohort study

“…The data presented in this study was collected between May 2020 and March 2021, and is likely not representative of usual patterns of substance misuse among C3PNO participants. Changes to the drug supply, such as decreased availability and quality along with increased costs have been reported by PWUD ( Ali et al, 2021 , Tamargo et al, 2021 ). For instance, cocaine use in the MASH cohort (a C3PNO cohort) declined by more than half during the early months of the pandemic ( Tamargo et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Changes to the drug supply, such as decreased availability and quality along with increased costs have been reported by PWUD ( Ali et al, 2021 , Tamargo et al, 2021 ). For instance, cocaine use in the MASH cohort (a C3PNO cohort) declined by more than half during the early months of the pandemic ( Tamargo et al, 2021 ). Therefore, some substances may have been less frequently used during the study period.…”

Social and Behavioral Impacts of COVID-19 on People Living with HIV: Review of the First Year of Research

“…Studies that examined substance use among PLWH during early COVID-19 reported variable results with no consistent pattern. Some studies reported increases in alcohol consumption [38,61] and other drug use [44], although it is unclear if these increases differed from those of people not living with HIV. Counter to expectations, some studies reported reductions in drug use among PLWH, including tobacco consumption [50,61].…”

“…Some studies reported increases in alcohol consumption [38,61] and other drug use [44], although it is unclear if these increases differed from those of people not living with HIV. Counter to expectations, some studies reported reductions in drug use among PLWH, including tobacco consumption [50,61]. There is also mixed evidence for increased adverse consequences from COVID-19 that are expected with increased substance use.…”

Willingness and Uptake of the COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination in Urban China: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey at Early 2021

“…COVID-19 testing serves as an important complementary measure to prevent and control spikes in SARS-CoV-2 cases, enabling disease diagnosis and tracing the con rmed cases. [49][50][51][52][53][54] Nearly 160 million tests have been performed in China, as of August 6th, 2021. 55 Since studies on the willingness to be tested and actual uptake of COVID-19 tests are scarce, updated estimates can help identify the population subgroups to be targeted by health education interventions in China.…”