Journal Article

Rapid mixed-methods assessment of COVID-19 impact on Latinx sexual minority men and Latinx transgender women

Izenberg, Max, Barreras, Joanna L., Gonzalez, Ana, Brooks, Ron A., Linnemayr, Sebastian, MacCarthy, Sarah

2020

Overview

We conducted a rapid, mixed-methods assessment to understand how COVID-19 affected Latinx sexual minority men (LSMM) and transgender women (LTGW). Using a computer-assisted telephone interviewing software, one interviewer called 52 participants (randomly sampled from a larger HIV prevention pilot study aiming to increase HIV knowledge and testing frequency; n = 36 LSMM and n = 16 LTGW) between 04/27/20-05/18/20. We quantified core domains using the Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory scale and provided important context through open-ended qualitative questions assessing: 1) COVID-19 infection history and experiences with quarantine; 2) Health and healthcare access; 3) Employment and economic impact of COVID-19. Participants reported increases in physical conflict or verbal arguments with a partner (13.5%) or other adult(s) (19.2%) due to stressors associated with the safer-at-home order. Participants also reported increased alcohol consumption (23.1%), problems with sleep (67.3%) and mental health (78.4%). Further, disruptions in access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis or PrEP–a daily pill to prevent HIV–occurred (33.3% of 18 participants who reported being on PrEP). Many said they received less medical attention than usual (34.6%), and LTGW reported delays in critical gender-affirming hormones/procedures. Half of the participants lost their jobs (50.0%); many undocumented participants relayed additional financial concerns because they did not qualify for financial assistance. Though no COVID-19 infections were noted, COVID-19 dramatically impacted other aspects of health and overall wellbeing of LSMM and LTGW. Public health responses should address the stressors faced by LSMM and LTGW during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on wellbeing.

• Publisher: Public Library of Science,Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subject: Adult / Ambulatory care / Antiretroviral drugs / Biology and Life Sciences / Consent / Coronaviruses / COVID-19 / COVID-19 - economics / COVID-19 - epidemiology / COVID-19 diagnostic tests / Demographic aspects / Disease prevention / Disease transmission / Economic conditions / Economic impact / Employment / Epidemics / Female / Gays & lesbians / Gender identity / Health aspects / Health risks / Health services / HIV / HIV Infections - economics / HIV Infections - epidemiology / HIV-1 / Homosexuality, Male / Hormones / Human immunodeficiency virus / Humans / Impact analysis / Infections / Influence / Interviews / Latin Americans / Male / Medicine and Health Sciences / Mens health / Mental health / Middle Aged / Minority & ethnic groups / Mixed methods research / Pandemics / Prophylaxis / Public health / SARS-CoV-2 / Sexually transmitted diseases / Sleep disorders / Social Sciences / STD / Transgender people / Transgender Persons / United States / Viral diseases / Well being