Prevalence of COVID-19–Related Social Disruptions and Effects on Psychosocial Health in a Mixed-Serostatus Cohort of Men and Women

Abstract

Objectives: This study describes prevention behavior and psychosocial health among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and HIV-negative people during the early wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the United States. We assessed differences by HIV status and associations between social disruption and psychosocial health. Design: A cross-sectional telephone/videoconference administered survey of 3411 PLHIV and HIV-negative participants in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study/WIHS Combined Cohort Study (MWCCS). Methods: An instrument combining new and validated measures was developed to assess COVID-19 prevention efforts, social disruptions (loss of employment, childcare, health insurance, and financial supports), experiences of abuse, and psychosocial health. Interviews were performed between April and June 2020. Associations between social disruptions and psychosocial health were explored using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for sociodemographics and HIV status. Results: Almost all (97.4%) participants reported COVID-19 prevention behavior; 40.1% participants reported social disruptions, and 34.3% reported health care appointment disruption. Men living with HIV were more likely than HIV-negative men to experience social disruptions (40.6% vs. 32.9%; P < 0.01), whereas HIV-negative women were more likely than women with HIV to experience social disruptions (51.1% vs. 39.8%, P < 0.001). Participants who experienced ≥2 social disruptions had significantly higher odds of depression symptoms [aOR = 1.32; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12 to 1.56], anxiety (aOR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.17 to 2.27), and social support dissatisfaction (aOR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.26 to 2.60). Conclusions: This study builds on emerging literature demonstrating the psychosocial health impact related to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing context specific to PLHIV. The ongoing pandemic requires structural and social interventions to decrease social disruption and address psychosocial health needs among the most vulnerable populations.

Association of PTSD With Longitudinal COVID-19 Burden in a Mixed-Serostatus Cohort of Men and Women: Weathering the Storm

“…Previous research has found higher levels of social disruption to be associated with great likelihood of symptoms of depression and anxiety; by contrast, this study measured prepandemic depression, anxiety, and PTSD and the effect of PTSD on COVID pandemic disruptions. 32 Results support that those with pre-existing mental health challenges may be especially burdened by disruptions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. A bidirectional relationship may exist between social disruption and mental health such that COVID-19 stressors such as fear and anxiety may also exacerbate mental health challenges, and those already living with mental illness may be especially vulnerable to disruptions.…”

Resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic among people living with HIV: A cross-sectional study

“…36 A study by Friedman et al conducted in the USA demonstrated that both PLWH and people who do not carry HIV who have lower socioeconomic status were affected more by the adverse impacts of COVID-19, resulting in lower resilient coping and other adverse psychosocial outcomes. 37 Also, they found income as the significant predictor for psychosocial health outcomes and stated that financial interventions might be effective in alleviating the negative impact of COVID-19. 37…”

“…37 Also, they found income as the significant predictor for psychosocial health outcomes and stated that financial interventions might be effective in alleviating the negative impact of COVID-19. 37…”