Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Sexual Minority Populations in Brazil: An Analysis of Social/Racial Disparities in Maintaining Social Distancing and a Description of Sexual Behavior

Abstract

We conducted a web-based survey to understand the impact of social distancing measures on Brazilian MSM and transgender/non-binary lives. A total of 3486 respondents were included in this analysis and the great majority were cismen (98%). The median age was 32 years (IQR: 27–40), 44% non-white, 36% low schooling and 38% low income. Most of participants reported HIV negative/unknown status (77%). Participants on-PrEP reported more condomless anal sex than those off-PrEP. Conversely, 24% off-PrEP were at substantial HIV-risk. PrEP/ART continuation were reported by the majority, despite reports of impediments to medication refill. Transgender/non-binary reported more mental health problems and challenges to access health care. Social and racial disparities were associated with unattainability of maintaining social distancing. Tailored social and economic support policies during COVID-19 pandemic should be made available to these populations. Challenges for PrEP/ART access will demand the implementation of innovative solutions to avoid the expansion of the HIV epidemic.

High acceptability of PrEP teleconsultation and HIV self-testing among PrEP users during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil

“…Details of study design and methodology are described elsewhere. 5 The survey instrument consisted of questions on demographics, sex during social distancing period, daily oral PrEP use, teleconsultation and HIVST. For this analysis, we included individuals reporting HIV negative status and receiving PrEP through the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS).…”

Differential Impact of Mitigation Policies and Socioeconomic Status on COVID-19 Prevalence and Social Distancing in the United States

“…The differential responses to the implementation of the SAH order by neighborhoods’ levels of socioeconomic disadvantage have been reported in previous studies, but most studies focused on the mobility rate among residence of different neighborhoods. [16, 17, 20, 21] One study found that physical distancing orders were associated with less increase in staying home in low-income vs. high-income neighborhoods (1.5% vs 2.4%). [17] Another study found that areas with fewer resources had more subway use in New York City.…”

Differential Impact of Mitigation Policies and Socioeconomic Status on COVID-19 Prevalence and Social Distancing in the United States

“…The differential responses to the implementation of the SAH order by neighborhoods' levels of socioeconomic disadvantage have been reported in previous studies, but most studies focused on the mobility rate among residence of different neighborhoods. [16,17,20,21] One study found that physical distancing orders were associated with less increase in staying home in low-income vs. highincome neighborhoods (1.5% vs 2.4%). [17] Another study found that areas with fewer resources had more subway use in New York City.…”