COVID-19 and the MWCCS: Psychosocial and Structural Impact on Physical and Mental Health, and HIV Prevention Behaviors

MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study (MWCCS) Administrative Supplements for the proposedproject, "COVID-19 and the MWCCS: Psychosocial and Structural Impact on Physical andMental Health, and HIV Prevention Behaviors"Abstract. Older adults and people with comorbid conditions are at increased risk for severe illness fromCOVID-19. Given the older age of our research participants and the higher prevalence of comorbidconditions among people living with HIV (PLWH), PLWH are at increased risk for severe disease outcomesresulting from COVID-19. However, while many of our MWCCS research participants may not have testedpositive, mental health challenges, social isolation and psychosocial stressors may have disproportionallyimpacted access to health care, health outcomes and prevention behaviors. Qualitative interviews will allowfor in- depth accounts and perceptions provided by participants, sharing their experiences of dealing withthe COVID-19 pandemic and associated risks and restrictions. The proposed research will provide criticalinsights into the multilevel impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated public health orders on thehealth and well-being of PLWH and those at-risk for HIV across the U.S. Results from this study willelucidate unforeseen consequences of public health efforts on vulnerable populations that are at higherrisk for comorbidities, stigma and discrimination and socioeconomic hardship. Data from this study will helpto inform future studies and public health efforts to prepare for interruptions in health care and studyparticipation due to natural disasters or public health emergences.