COVID-19 Burden and Risk Among People With HIV

Deborah L Jones1, Kristiana E Morgan2, Paola C Martinez2

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL.

Insights

Psychological stress and past trauma increased COVID-19 risk and burden for people with HIV (PWH). These factors may heighten illness vigilance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Evaluated COVID-19 risk and burden in people with HIV (PWH) in a high-transmission US city.
  • Examined psychosocial factors' impact on COVID-19 risk and burden.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Assess COVID-19 outcomes among PWH.
  • Investigate the link between psychosocial factors and COVID-19 in PWH.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized an adapted COVID-19 survey administered telephonically.
  • Participants recruited from an existing HIV patient database.

Main Results:

  • Psychological stress predicted COVID-19 burden (financial, social) and risk.
  • History of trauma associated with increased COVID-19 risk.
  • Stress linked to greater COVID-19 burden and risk.

Conclusions:

  • The intersection of HIV and COVID-19 pandemics is most significant for individuals with trauma histories.
  • Traumatic events may correlate with increased vigilance towards illness and infection.
Abstract

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