Latinx Sexual Minority Men's Access to HIV and Behavioral Health Services in South Florida During COVID-19: A Qualitative Study of Barriers, Facilitators, and Innovations

Authors

Audrey Harkness, Audrey Harkness, PhD, is a Research Assistant Professor of Prevention Science and Community Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA. Elliott R. Weinstein, MPH, is a Predoctoral Psychology Trainee, Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA. Pranusha Atuluru, BS, is a medical student, Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA. Daniel Mayo, BS, is a Research Associate, Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA. Ronald Vidal, MS, is a graduate student, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA. Carlos E. Rodrìguez-Dìaz, MPH, PhD, is an Associate Professor, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA, and Associate Professor, University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus, School of Public Health, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Steven A. Safren, PhD, is a Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA.
Elliott R. Weinstein
Pranusha Atuluru
Daniel Mayo
Ronald Vidal
Carlos E. Rodríguez-Díaz
Steven A. Safren

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

1-1-2022

Journal

The Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care : JANAC

Volume

33

Issue

1

DOI

10.1097/JNC.0000000000000280

Abstract

Despite the availability of HIV prevention and treatment tools, HIV disparities continue to affect Latinx sexual minority men (LSMM). Behavioral health concerns further exacerbate HIV disparities among LSMM. This study used rapid qualitative analysis to understand factors influencing LSMM's access to HIV and behavioral health services during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Participants included LSMM with (n = 10) and without HIV (n = 10). The analysis identified 15 themes. Themes revealed that LSMM's access was disrupted by new and worsening barriers resulting from COVID-19, such as anxiety about COVID-19 exposure, confusion and disruptions to services, and new structural challenges. Other themes highlight positive changes, such as telehealth and relaxed clinic protocols, which enhanced LSMM's access to services during COVID-19. The findings suggest the need for HIV and behavioral health clinics to innovate and ensure LSMM's continued access to services during and beyond COVID-19.

APA Citation

Harkness, Audrey; Weinstein, Elliott R.; Atuluru, Pranusha; Mayo, Daniel; Vidal, Ronald; Rodríguez-Díaz, Carlos E.; and Safren, Steven A., "Latinx Sexual Minority Men's Access to HIV and Behavioral Health Services in South Florida During COVID-19: A Qualitative Study of Barriers, Facilitators, and Innovations" (2022). GW Authored Works. Paper 461.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/461

Department

Prevention and Community Health