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Erly S, Menza TW, Granillo L, Navejas M, Udeagu CCN, Brady KA, Hixson LK, Raj-Sing S, Nassau T, Kaasa C, Buskin S. Impact of COVID-19 on People Living With HIV: Data From Five Medical Monitoring Project Sites, 2020-2022. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 96:106-113. [PMID: 38567932 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global economic and healthcare systems. People living with HIV (PLWH) represent a marginalized and stigmatized population who may have been particularly impacted. The purpose of this analysis was to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on PLWH in the United States. SETTING United States. METHODS We analyzed surveys of behavioral and clinical characteristics of PLWH residing in 5 states that participated in the Medical Monitoring Project between 2020 and 2022. We described the impact of COVID-19 illness, testing, and diagnoses; receipt of medical care; social service access; employment; and preventive measures by project site and demographic characteristics. RESULTS Unweighted data from 1715 PLWH were analyzed. A high proportion of PLWH had medical care disrupted by the pandemic; 31% of PLWH missed medical appointments, 26% missed routine laboratory test results, and 7% missed antiretroviral therapy doses. In total, 30% of PLWH reported losing wages and 19% reported difficulty in accessing social services. Overall, 88% reported receiving at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine, but vaccine uptake was low among younger, Black, and Hispanic or Latina/o/x PLWH. CONCLUSIONS This descriptive analysis reinforces previous findings that show that COVID-19 negatively impacted PLWH and their ability to obtain medical care. Additional efforts will be critical to ameliorating the longer-term impacts of COVID-19 on the health of PLWH and supporting PLWH through future pandemics and healthcare system disruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Erly
- Washington State Department of Health Office of Infectious Disease, Olympia, WA
- University of Washington Department of Epidemiology, Seattle WA
| | - Tim W Menza
- Oregon Health Authority Department of Public Health, Salem, OR
- Oregon Health & Science University Division of General Internal Medicine, Portland, OR
| | - Lauren Granillo
- Office of AIDS, Center for Infectious Diseases, California Department of Public Health. Sacramento, CA
| | - Michael Navejas
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York City, NY
| | - Chi-Chi N Udeagu
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York City, NY
| | - Kathleen A Brady
- Philadelphia Department of Public Health Division of HIV Health, Philadelphia, PA; and
| | | | - Shavvy Raj-Sing
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York City, NY
| | - Tanner Nassau
- Philadelphia Department of Public Health Division of HIV Health, Philadelphia, PA; and
| | - Chelsey Kaasa
- Washington State Department of Health Office of Infectious Disease, Olympia, WA
| | - Susan Buskin
- University of Washington Department of Epidemiology, Seattle WA
- Public Health Seattle & King County HIV/STD Program, Seattle, WA
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2
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Jason K, Wilson M, Catoe J, Brown C, Gonzalez M. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Black and Hispanic Americans' Work Outcomes: a Scoping Review. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:1157-1172. [PMID: 37117935 PMCID: PMC10147367 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01594-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
In early 2020, it was hypothesized that COVID-19 would lead to disproportionately negative health and work outcomes for Black and Hispanic adults, but sufficient data had yet been collected to fully support this claim. Now, we have empirical evidence, but little has been done to aggregate this information to fully understand its impact on these communities. Utilizing 44 articles from a scoping review of three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Business Source Complete), this study seeks to identify the primary work-related risks that help explain Black and Hispanic adults' disparate COVID-19-related work outcomes (e.g., loss of hours, job disruption, stress). Findings illuminate four primary risks faced by Black and Hispanic workers: (1) being an essential worker, (2) type of work performed, (3) workplace factors; and (4) community and geographic factors. We conclude with policy recommendations that will help inform policy and practice for economic recovery from the pandemic for other marginalized populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra Jason
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Miguel Wilson
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jamel Catoe
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Courtney Brown
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mayleen Gonzalez
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
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3
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Nguyen KH, Levengood TW, Allen HL, Gonzales G. Health Insurance Coverage and Access to Care by Sexual Orientation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: United States, January 2021-February 2022. Am J Public Health 2024; 114:118-128. [PMID: 38091560 PMCID: PMC10726945 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2023.307446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Objectives. To compare health insurance coverage and access to care by sex and sexual minority status during the COVID-19 pandemic and assess whether lack of insurance hindered access to care by sexual minority status. Methods. Using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data (January 2021-February 2022), we examined differences by sex and sexual orientation among 158 722 adults aged 18 to 64 years living in 34 states. Outcomes were health insurance coverage type and 3 access to care measures. Results. Sexual minority women were significantly more likely to be uninsured than were heterosexual women, and lack of insurance widened the magnitude of disparity by sexual minority status in all measures of access. Compared with heterosexual men with health insurance, sexual minority men with health insurance were significantly more likely to report being unable to afford necessary care. Conclusions. During the pandemic, 1 in 8 sexual minority adults living in 34 study states were uninsured. Among sexual minority women, lack of insurance widened inequities in access to care. There were inequities among sexual minority men with health insurance. Public Health Implications. Sexual minority adults may be disproportionately affected by the unwinding of the COVID-19 public health emergency and may require tailored efforts to mitigate insurance coverage loss. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(1):118-128. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307446).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin H Nguyen
- Kevin H. Nguyen and Timothy W. Levengood are with the Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Heidi L. Allen is with the Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY. Gilbert Gonzales is with the Department of Medicine, Health, and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Timothy W Levengood
- Kevin H. Nguyen and Timothy W. Levengood are with the Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Heidi L. Allen is with the Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY. Gilbert Gonzales is with the Department of Medicine, Health, and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Heidi L Allen
- Kevin H. Nguyen and Timothy W. Levengood are with the Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Heidi L. Allen is with the Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY. Gilbert Gonzales is with the Department of Medicine, Health, and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Gilbert Gonzales
- Kevin H. Nguyen and Timothy W. Levengood are with the Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA. Heidi L. Allen is with the Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY. Gilbert Gonzales is with the Department of Medicine, Health, and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
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4
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Turpin RE, Mandell CJ, Camp AD, Mhonde RRD, Dyer TV, Mayer KH, Liu H, Coates T, Boekeloo B. COVID-19, Vaccine Hesitancy, and HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among Black Sexual Minority Men. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 94:387-394. [PMID: 37732879 PMCID: PMC10841093 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has created substantial and profound barriers to several forms of health care engagement. For Black sexual minority men, this may include engagement with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection, with significant implications for HIV disparities. Our study explored how the COVID-19 pandemic affected Black sexual minority men, with a focus on relationships between COVID-19 and PrEP engagement. SETTING We sampled 24 Black sexual minority men attending HIV prevention-related events in the greater D.C. Metropolitan area (D.C., Maryland, Virginia). METHODS We conducted qualitative phone interviews among our sample. Questions were primarily focused on the COVID-19 pandemic and how it affected engagement and considerations of PrEP use. Interviews were transcribed and qualitatively analyzed using the 6 stages of thematic analysis. RESULTS We identified 3 major themes from our thematic analysis: Changes in the health care system, changes in sexual and relationship contexts, and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. Relationships between COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and PrEP hesitancy were especially prevalent, with participants describing that COVID-19 hesitancy can directly deter PrEP use through eroding medical trust further. CONCLUSIONS We identified changes in the health care system, sexual and relationship contexts, and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy as important issues driven by COVID-19 with significant implications for PrEP use. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the health care and social landscape in profound ways that affect PrEP access, sexual networks, and associated HIV vulnerability. Future research further exploring relationships between specific pandemic stressors and HIV prevention among Black sexual minority men is recommended .
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodman E. Turpin
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
| | - CJ Mandell
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
| | - Aaron D. Camp
- Brandeis University, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Waltham, MA
- INOVA Health System, Fairfax, VA
| | | | - Typhanye V. Dyer
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
| | - Kenneth H. Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MS
| | - Hongjie Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
| | - Thomas Coates
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Bradley Boekeloo
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
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5
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Assaf RD, Javanbakht M, Gorbach PM, Cooper ZD. Cannabis Use and Sharing Practices Among Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Individuals During the COVID-19 Pandemic. LGBT Health 2023; 10:514-525. [PMID: 37252794 PMCID: PMC10552144 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2022.0236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Cannabis behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic among sexual minority (SM) individuals in the United States remain understudied. This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of cannabis use and cannabis sharing, a potential risk for COVID-19 transmission, among SM and heterosexual-identified individuals in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from an anonymous, US-based web survey on cannabis-related behaviors from August to September 2020. Included participants reported past-year nonmedical cannabis use. Associations between frequency of cannabis use and sharing behaviors by sexual orientation were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Results: Overall, 1112 respondents reported past-year cannabis use; mean age 33 years (standard deviation = 9.4), 66% male identified (n = 723), and 31% SM identified adults (n = 340). Increased cannabis use during the pandemic was similar among SM (24.7%; n = 84) and heterosexual (24.9%; n = 187) respondents. Any sharing during the pandemic was 81% for SM adults (n = 237) and 73% for heterosexual adults (n = 486). In the fully adjusted models, the odds of daily/weekly cannabis use and the odds of any cannabis sharing among SM respondents were 0.56 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.42-0.74) and 1.60 (95% CI = 1.13-2.26), respectively, compared with heterosexual respondents. Conclusions: SM respondents were less likely to use cannabis with high frequency during the pandemic but more likely to share cannabis compared with heterosexual respondents. Sharing cannabis was high overall, which may increase COVID-19 risk. Public health messaging around sharing may be important during COVID-19 surges and respiratory pandemics especially as cannabis becomes more widely available in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D. Assaf
- UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Marjan Javanbakht
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Pamina M. Gorbach
- UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ziva D. Cooper
- UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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6
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Yan X, Schneider JA, Modali L, Korban C, Tabidze I. Racial-ethnic, gender identity, and sexual orientation disparities in COVID-19-related social and health outcomes: A decomposition analysis. SSM Popul Health 2023; 23:101474. [PMID: 37560090 PMCID: PMC10407278 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the growing literature on racial-ethnic disparities during the pandemic, less is known about the explanatory mechanisms of these disparities and inequalities across other axes, such as gender and sexual identities. We studied the levels and sources of racial-ethnic, gender identity, and sexual minority disparities in social (i.e., unmet resource needs) and health (i.e., hospitalization) outcomes among individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, hypothesizing differential age structure, underlying health, and work and living arrangements as contributors to inequalities. Using large-scale administrative data from Chicago and adjusting for covariates, we found substantial racial-ethnic and gender identity disparities in both outcomes, and weak evidence of sexual minority disparities in unmet needs. Subsequent decomposition analyses revealed that living in larger households, having a higher share of non-adult cases, and facing higher burdens of chronic illness, obesity, and unemployment each statistically significantly drove racial-ethnic disparities in unmet needs, but these together explained less than 15% of the disparities. Similarly, about 20% of the Black-White gap in hospitalization resulted from disparities in underlying health and unemployment, whereas a higher proportion of non-adult cases or higher unemployment rates respectively proved the only significant pathways to partially explain transgender individuals' disadvantages in unmet needs (12%) or hospitalization (6%). These findings highlight the importance of considering multiple dimensions of social differences in studying health disparities, the vulnerabilities of transgender and non-adult communities during the pandemic, and the valid yet quite limited roles of previously suggested sociodemographic factors in accounting for COVID-19-related categorical inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewen Yan
- Department of Sociology, Cornell University, Chicago Department of Public Health, USA
| | - John A. Schneider
- Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago Department of Public Health, USA
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7
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Yeager S, Serrano VB, Paltin D, Fisher A, Karris M, Aarons GA, Rangel A, Flynn R, Bolan R, Moore DJ, Montoya JL. Qualitative Examination of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Access and Adherence to Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among Sexual and Gender Minorities. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2023; 35:255-267. [PMID: 37535324 PMCID: PMC10849009 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2023.35.4.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) access and adherence decreased nationwide. This study examined pandemic-related disruptions to PrEP access and adherence among clients of a health center (Center) in Los Angeles, California. Clients (n = 25) and Center personnel (n = 11) completed qualitative interviews from March to July 2021. Although the Center provided options for remote PrEP care (i.e., telehealth, STI self-testing kits, and prescription delivery), clients experienced difficulty navigating services or lacked equipment for telehealth. More than half (n = 13) of clients discontinued PrEP during COVID-19 due to decreased sexual partners, relocation, or insurance status changes. Among those who continued PrEP, the majority reported no change in adherence, while a minority reported worsening adherence due to distractions/forgetting, prescription refill issues, lack of insurance coverage, and fear of completing in-person visits. Findings highlight the challenges of navigating PrEP services during COVID-19 and suggest PrEP services enhancement to adapt to crisis events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Yeager
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, California
| | - Vanessa B Serrano
- San Diego State University/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSD
| | - Dafna Paltin
- San Diego State University/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, California
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSD
| | - Arin Fisher
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSD
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation-Southwest Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Maile Karris
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego (UCSD), San Diego, California
- San Diego Center for AIDS Research, San Diego, California, and the Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute Dissemination and Implementation Sciences Center, UCSD
| | - Gregory A Aarons
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSD
- San Diego Center for AIDS Research, San Diego, California, and the Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute Dissemination and Implementation Sciences Center, UCSD
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, UCSD
| | - Alvy Rangel
- Los Angeles LGBT Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Risa Flynn
- Los Angeles LGBT Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Robert Bolan
- Los Angeles LGBT Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - David J Moore
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSD
- San Diego Center for AIDS Research, San Diego, California, and the Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute Dissemination and Implementation Sciences Center, UCSD
| | - Jessica L Montoya
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSD
- San Diego Center for AIDS Research, San Diego, California, and the Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute Dissemination and Implementation Sciences Center, UCSD
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8
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Hensel DJ, Mark KP, Abdelhamed A, Burns S, Esho T, Hendriks J, Jobim Fischer V, Ivanova O, Marks M, Michelsen K, Nimby F, Strizzi J, Tucker J, Uhlich M, Erausquin JT. Changes in Solo and Partnered Sexual Behaviors following the First COVID-19 Wave: Data from an International Study of 26 Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2023; 35:459-480. [PMID: 38601728 PMCID: PMC10903556 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2023.2224777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Objective To determine individual- and country-level factors associated with self-reported changes in solo and partnered sexual behaviors in an international sample of adults during COVID-19. Methods Data were from the International Sexual Health And REproductive Health during COVID-19 study (I-SHARE)-a cross-sectional, multi-country study (N = 26 countries) assessing adult (N = 19,654) sexual/reproductive health before and during the first wave of COVID-19. We examined self-reported changes (three-point scale: decreased, no change, increased) in solo masturbation, hugging/holding hands/cuddling with a partner, sex with a primary partner, sex with a casual partner, sexting with a partner, viewing sexually explicit media and partnered cybersex. Ordinal regression assessed the impact of individual (age, gender- and sexual-identity, romantic partnership status, employment and income stability, household change and content, mental well-being, changes in alcohol use, and changes in marijuana use) and country-level (e.g., Oxford Stringency Index, Human Development Index, and the Palma Ratio) factors on behavior change. Results The most common behavior to increase was hugging, kissing, or cuddling with a partner (21.5%), and the most common behavior to decrease was sex with a main partner (36.7%). Household factors like job/income instability and having children over the age of 12 years were significantly associated with decreased affectionate and sexual partnered sexual behaviors; more frequent substance use was linked to significantly increased solo, partnered, and virtual sexual behaviors. Conclusions Understanding changes in sexual behaviors-as well as the factors that make changes more or less likely among adults around the world-are important to ensure adequate sexual health support development for future public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon J. Hensel
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Sociology, Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Kristen P. Mark
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Amr Abdelhamed
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Sharyn Burns
- Discipline of Health Promotion & Sexology, Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | | | - Jacqueline Hendriks
- Discipline of Health Promotion & Sexology, Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Vinicius Jobim Fischer
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Olena Ivanova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Marks
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kristien Michelsen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fillipo Nimby
- Foundation for Professional Development, Rome, Italy
| | - Jenna Strizzi
- Centre for Medical Science and Technology Studies, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joe Tucker
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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9
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Wedel AV, Patterson JG, Lee DN, Stevens EM, Wagener TL, Keller-Hamilton B. E-Cigarette Use among Sexual Minoritized Women and Nonbinary People Assigned Female at Birth: Assessing the Roles of Discrimination, Perceived Stress, and Social Support. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 58:1102-1109. [PMID: 37199173 PMCID: PMC10247437 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2212056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Background: Young adult sexual minoritized women (SMW) are at disproportionate risk for e-cigarette use, which may in part be due to excess minority stress imposed by discrimination exposure. While discrimination exposure is associated with risk for combustible tobacco/nicotine use among SMW, similar associations have yet to be tested with e-cigarettes. Moreover, it is unknown if discrimination-related risk may be mitigated by protective factors such as social support. This study examined concurrent associations of discrimination, perceived stress, and social support with past 30-day e-cigarette use in a sample of young adult SMW during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: N = 501 SMW and nonbinary people assigned female at birth (AFAB) aged 18-30 completed an online survey. A series of logistic regressions examined associations of discrimination, perceived stress, and four forms of social support received during the COVID-19 pandemic with past-30-day e-cigarette use. Results: Among SMW, greater perceived stress (OR = 1.10, p = .03), but not discrimination exposure, was associated with e-cigarette use. Associations of discrimination with e-cigarette use were nonsignificant when most forms of social support (emotional, material/financial, and virtual) were accounted for. Associations of perceived stress with e-cigarette use were strongest among those who needed but did not receive material support. Conclusions: Perceived stress, but not discrimination exposure, was associated with risk for e-cigarette use among young SMW during the COVID-19 pandemic. Effects of nonspecific stress may be compounded by insufficient material/financial support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia V. Wedel
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Joanne G. Patterson
- Division of Health Behavior and Health Promotion, The Ohio State University College of Public Health, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Center for Tobacco Research, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Donghee N. Lee
- Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elise M. Stevens
- Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Theodore L. Wagener
- Center for Tobacco Research, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Brittney Keller-Hamilton
- Center for Tobacco Research, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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10
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Sprague Martinez L, Scott JC, Rocco M, Rajabiun S, Flores Rodriguez C, Cummings R, McKinney-Prupis E, Minott M, Walker-Jones J, Downes A, Wangari Walter A. Policies enacted during COVID-19 came with unintended health benefits: why go back? BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:496. [PMID: 37194099 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09448-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the impact of COVID-19 on the implementation of bundled interventions to improve the engagement and retention of Black women in HIV care. METHODS Pre-implementation interviews conducted between January and April 202 L with 12 demonstration sites implementing bundled interventions for Black women with HIV. Directed content analysis was employed to examine the site interview transcripts. RESULTS The pandemic intensified barriers to care and harmful social conditions. However, COVID-19 also forced pivots in health care and social service delivery and some of these changes benefited Black women living with HIV. CONCLUSIONS The continuation of policies that support the material needs of Black women with HIV and ease access to care is critical. Racial capitalism impedes the enactment of these policies and thus threatens public health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Melanie Rocco
- Boston University School of Social Work, Boston, MA, US
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11
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Chandra M, Hertel M, Cahill S, Sakaguchi K, Khanna S, Mitra S, Luke J, Khau M, Mirabella J, Cropper A. Prevalence of Self-Reported Kidney Disease in Older Adults by Sexual Orientation: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Analysis (2014-2019). J Am Soc Nephrol 2023; 34:682-693. [PMID: 36735807 PMCID: PMC10103302 DOI: 10.1681/asn.0000000000000065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Studies discusses CKD disparities by age, race and ethnicity, and socioeconomics. However, despite well-documented disparities in CKD risk factors in LGBT+ adults, limited literature addresses CKD prevalence in this population. This analysis uses Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2014-2019) data to compare self-reported kidney disease prevalence in LGBT+ older adults (older than 50 years) with their heterosexual peers. Our findings indicate that LGBT+ older adults have higher rates of self-reported kidney disease and a higher incidence of CKD risks including smoking, activity limitations, adverse health outcomes, and limited access to health care, housing, and employment. These results support increasing access to screening for CKD risk factors, providing culturally responsive health care, and addressing societal drivers of vulnerability in older LGBT+ adults. BACKGROUND Existing research documents disparities in CKD by age, race and ethnicity, and access to health care. However, research on CKD in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans (LGBT+) older adults, despite their higher rates of diabetes, heart disease, smoking, and alcohol use, is limited. METHODS Pooled data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2014-2019) for 22,114 LGBT+ adults and 748,963 heterosexuals aged 50 and older were used to estimate the prevalence of self-reported kidney disease. Logistic regressions were used to compare older adults by sexual orientation. RESULTS Older LGBT+ men (adjusted odds ratio=1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.54) were more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to report kidney disease, after controlling for sociodemographic factors, health behaviors, access to health care, and self-reported coronary heart disease, HIV, and diabetes; LGBT+ men and women also reported higher incidences of known risk factors for CKD. For example, both LGBT+ men (odds ratio [OR]=1.39; [95% CI], 1.26-1.54) and LGBT+ women (OR=1.39; [95% CI], 1.25-1.55) were more likely to be smokers and have a higher incidence of activity limitations, adverse health outcomes, and limited access to health care, housing, and employment. CONCLUSION These results support increasing access to screenings for CKD risk factors, providing preventative education and culturally responsive and affirming care, and addressing other societal drivers of vulnerability in older LGBT+ adults. The findings also support the value of interventions that address the interaction between CKD risk factors and the social marginalization that older LGBT+ adults experience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mollie Hertel
- NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | | | - Saumya Khanna
- NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Jordi Luke
- Office of Minority Health, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Meagan Khau
- Office of Minority Health, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jack Mirabella
- Office of Minority Health, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Avareena Cropper
- Office of Minority Health, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Baltimore, Maryland
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Turner K, Brownstein NC, Whiting J, Arevalo M, Islam JY, Vadaparampil ST, Meade CD, Gwede CK, Kasting ML, Head KJ, Christy SM. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women's Health Care Access: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2022; 31:1690-1702. [PMID: 36318766 PMCID: PMC9805885 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2022.0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There has been limited study of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected women's health care access. Our study aims to examine the prevalence and correlates of COVID-19-related disruptions to (1) primary care; (2) gynecologic care; and (3) preventive health care among women. Materials and Methods: We recruited 4,000 participants from a probability-based online panel. We conducted four multinomial logistic regression models, one for each of the study outcomes: (1) primary care access; (2) gynecologic care access; (3) patient-initiated disruptions to preventive visits; and (4) provider-initiated disruptions to preventive visits. Results: The sample included 1,285 women. One in four women (28.5%) reported that the pandemic affected their primary care access. Sexual minority women (SMW) (odds ratios [OR]: 1.67; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.19-2.33) had higher odds of reporting pandemic-related effects on primary care access compared to women identifying as heterosexual. Cancer survivors (OR: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.25-3.42) had higher odds of reporting pandemic-related effects on primary care access compared to women without a cancer history. About 16% of women reported that the pandemic affected their gynecologic care access. Women with a cancer history (OR: 2.34; 95% CI: 1.35-4.08) had higher odds of reporting pandemic-related effects on gynecologic care compared to women without a cancer history. SMW were more likely to report patient- and provider-initiated delays in preventive health care. Other factors that affected health care access included income, insurance status, and having a usual source of care. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted women's health care access and disproportionately affected access among SMW and women with a cancer history, suggesting that targeted interventions may be needed to ensure adequate health care access during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kea Turner
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Naomi C. Brownstein
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Junmin Whiting
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Mariana Arevalo
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jessica Y. Islam
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Center for Immunization and Infection Research in Cancer, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Susan T. Vadaparampil
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Cathy D. Meade
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Clement K. Gwede
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Monica L. Kasting
- Department of Public Health, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Katharine J. Head
- Department of Communication Studies, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Shannon M. Christy
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Abstract
This introduction to the Special Issue (SI) on COVID-19 and adverse social determinants of health (SDoH) provides theoretical and empirical context for featured articles. Existing disparities and inequities are highlighted and emerging research on disparities resulting from these and the COVID-19 pandemic are briefly reviewed. General disparities and inequities resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic are briefly conceptualized through the SDoH. Critical factors outlined by the SDoH framework parallel those discussed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as those in a conceptual framework article also feature in this SI. Some of these consist of racism, exclusion, blocked opportunity, and socioeconomic status (SES), among others. Furthermore, we discuss broader social inequities, namely growing income and wealth inequality that undermine the health and wellbeing of the general population and ethnic minority groups in particular. Big Event theory is offered as an additional conceptual framework that can illuminate potential downstream negative impacts of the pandemic. Having provided summaries of featured articles in this SI, we make a call for researchers to engage in further theoretical and empirical work to identify the most critical SDOH to further the field of public health as well as related fields and inform policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul G Alamilla
- Department of Psychological Science, Kennesaw State University
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