Collateral damage: Impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in people living with HIV

People living with HIV (PLWH) may be at higher risk for adverse outcomes indirectly associated with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). When comparing responses to questionnaires administered when social distancing and quarantine guidelines were first implemented, we found that PLWH were more likely to have restricted access to medical care, increased financial stress, increased symptoms of anxiety and depression, and increased substance use compared to demographically-similar people without HIV.

Automated summary

People living with HIV are at higher risk for adverse outcomes during the pandemic, including restricted access to medical care, increased financial stress, heightened symptoms of anxiety and depression, and increased substance use compared to those without HIV.