Pandemic expertise: qualitative findings on the experiences of living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19; SUBSTANCE abuse; RESEARCH methodology; MENTAL health; INTERVIEWING; HOUSING stability; PATIENTS' attitudes; QUALITATIVE research; SELF-efficacy; SOCIOECONOMIC factors; RESEARCH funding; HEALTH behavior; THEMATIC analysis; PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation; JUDGMENT sampling; COVID-19 pandemic; PSYCHOLOGY of HIV-positive persons; PSYCHOLOGICAL resilience

This qualitative study explored the experiences of people living with HIV (PLWH) in the San Francisco Bay Area, United States, during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent public health restrictions at a safety net HIV clinic. Patients (N = 30) were recruited for Spanish/English language semi-structured interviews (n = 30), translated when necessary, and analyzed thematically. The recurring theme of "pandemic expertise" emerged from the data: skills and attitudes developed through living with HIV helped PLWH cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, including effective strategies for dealing with anxiety and depression; appreciation for life; and practical experience of changing behavior to protect their health. A subset did not consider living with HIV helped them adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, with some describing their lives as chaotic due to housing issues and/or ongoing substance use. Overall, interviewees reported finding trustworthy health information that helped them follow COVID-19 prevention strategies. Although living with HIV is associated with a higher prevalence of mental health concerns, substance use, and stigma, these challenges can also contribute to increased self-efficacy, adaptation, and resilience. Addressing structural issues such as housing appears to be key to responding to both pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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