Stigma, Risk Behaviors and Health Care among HIV-infected Russian People Who Inject Drugs

PROJECT Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions to reduce the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 have exacerbated globalinequities. These restrictions may have particularly limited engagement in care of HIV-positive people whoinject drugs (PWID). This longitudinal project aims to qualitatively assess evolving consequences of theCOVID-19 pandemic on health risks and risk behaviors of HIV-positive PWID; and described the impact ofstigma on HIV-positive PWID during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will leverage access to the SCRIPT(R00DA041245) study population (n=108); SCRIPT is a community-based RCT testing the feasibility ofAcceptance and Commitment Therapy as a stigma intervention among PWID with HIV who are not connectedto addiction or HIV care in St. Petersburg, Russia. The SCRIPT study population provides a unique opportunityto understand pandemic impacts on substance use and HIV risk behaviors, as well as health care utilizationamong community-based HIV-positive PWID. This project will inform rights-based, gender-inclusivepreparedness strategies to mitigate adverse pandemic effects and prepare the key population of HIV-positivePWID for future pandemic situations.