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At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians and researchers were concerned about its impact on the health of people living with HIV (PLWH). Although mitigation measures during the early part of the pandemic used telehealth, it was uncertain whether PLWH would be amenable to this type of care and whether health outcomes would be affected. PLWH actively seeking treatment at a large urban outpatient practice in Essex County, New Jersey, were interviewed from October 2020 to June 2021 about their healthrelated experiences during COVID-19. The sample was dichotomized by age (< 55 and ≥ 55). In all, participants (69.2%, n = 92) used telehealth during this period, 85.0% (n = 113) actively tested for COVID-19, with only 7% (n = 8) testing positive at the time of interview. Our findings demonstrate that PLWH who engaged with health care before the COVID-19 pandemic continued doing that and had relatively favorable health outcomes with few differences by age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the epidemiological landscape of HIV/AIDS changed over the last 40 years, more people are now living with HIV/AIDS deeper into senior adulthood. People over age 50 living with HIV face myriad challenges including medical, psychological, and social comorbidities. In this analysis, we consider the social realities and social networks of older adults living with HIV and assess how relationships and communities have been affected by stigma and other challenges of aging with HIV. A total of 40 participants, ages 51–69 years, living with HIV in the Newark metropolitan area were interviewed. A thematic analysis was conducted, and four main themes were identified: (1) friends and relationships; (2) support groups; (3) stigma and discrimination; (4) family. The role of social support within this community is discussed within these key themes. This study helps us to better understand how support networks affect older adults living with HIV and how stigma and fragmented relationships can ultimately contribute to negative health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older adults represent the greatest proportion of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the U.S. and sexual minority men continue to be disproportionally impacted. As PLWHA age, they face multiple mental and psychosocial health challenges that may impact their overall health and well-being. Resilience may act as a buffer against these challenges. Associations between HIV-related resilience and mental health endorsements were examined among older HIV-positive gay men in New York City. Multivariate analyses indicate those with higher levels of HIV-related resilience were more likely to have lower levels of PTSD and substance dependence and were also more likely to feel financially secure. While further research will help better understand the role resilience has on overall health and well-being of older gay PLWHA, utilizing this perspective can yield important insights that can be used to shift toward strengths-based service and programmatic approaches for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted healthcare access in the United States. This study sought to explore LGBTQ adults' changes in access and adherence to preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and contraception. This study employs data from a cross-sectional internet survey conducted between May and July 2020. The analysis was stratified by medications: PrEP (n = 147), HIV treatment (n = 78), HRT (n = 86), and contraception (n = 185). For people using PrEP, those between the ages of 18–29 and 30–39 and those with insurance did not report having difficulty accessing their medications; however, people between the ages of 30 and 39 did report that they had missed doses of this medication. For people using antiretroviral therapy (ART), cisgender (cis) gay men did not report trouble accessing medications, whereas lesbian cis women, respondents between the ages of 18–29 and 30–39, did report trouble accessing medications. For those using HRT, white non-Hispanic, black, and Latinx individuals did not have trouble accessing medication; however, Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander, and Middle Eastern participants did experience trouble accessing medication. Finally, contraceptive users with insurance did not experience difficulty in accessing medication and did not miss doses of this medication. Changes to medication access and adherence during the COVID-19 pandemic can be used to develop new protocols to help meet the needs of vulnerable populations such as the LGBTQ community. New protocols that may ensure access, as well as privacy around access to medications, are insurance coverage for telehealth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sociodemographic characteristics and depressive symptoms were assessed for their association with increased frequency of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in a US sample of (N = 1,090) LGBTQ people, using an anonymous online survey. Among those (n = 98) endorsing IPV victimization in their current relationship, more than 18% reported increased frequency since the onset of the pandemic. Respondents in the Southern US, and those with more severe depressive symptoms, were more likely to report an increased frequency of IPV victimization. Providers, researchers, and policymakers should address this prevalent health problem, particularly during public health emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]