The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Sexual Behavior and HIV Prevention and Treatment Services Among U.S. Men Who Have Sex With Men in the Post-Lockdown Era

Dados Bibliográficos

ID21748675
AutoresLaura M Mann (0000-0003-1302-2711, Emory University, autor correspondente), Thomas Sanchez (0000-0003-1133-4762, Emory University), Travis Sanchez (Emory University), Rob Stephenson (0000-0002-9239-2640, University of Michigan), Patrick S Sullivan (0000-0002-7728-0587, Emory University), Samuel M Jenne (0000-0001-8840-105X, Emory University), Samuel M Jenness (Emory University)
Ano2023
Volume17
Fascículo2
Páginas15579883231168602-15579883231168602
Data de publicação2023-03-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoAmerican Journal of Men s Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1557-9883 • E-ISSN: 1557-9891
EditoraSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/15579883231168602
PMID37081746
OpenAlexW4366602596
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas4
Referências citadas17

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions to sexual health services and changes to sexual behavior due to the first COVID-19 lockdowns were common among U.S. gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Less is known about the persistence of these changes after this initial lockdown period. These changes have long-term implications for HIV prevention for current and future pandemic periods. This study collected information on COVID-related impacts on sexual behavior and HIV-related health service disruptions from a cohort of U.S. GBMSM at three time points during the COVID-19 pandemic. We observed that COVID-related disruptions to sexual behavior continued from early lockdown periods through December 2020. Although early interruptions to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) access resolved in later 2020 and interruptions to antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence were minimal, extended disruptions were observed in HIV testing, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, HIV care clinical visits, and HIV viral load testing. Although sexual behavior did not return to prepandemic levels in late 2020, the reduced access to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services during this period could result in an overall increased HIV transmission rate, with long-term impacts to the trajectory of the U.S. HIV epidemic. Additional resources and programs are needed to address challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as prepare for future potential pandemics and other disruptive events

Antiretroviral therapy · Disease · Environmental health · Men who have sex with men · Pandemic · Treatment as prevention · Viral load · Young adult · Demography · HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Medicine · Gerontology · Virology