The Impact of COVID-19 on HIV Treatment and Research: A Call to Action

Tiffany Chenneville 1,*, Kemesha Gabbidon 1, Patricia Hanson 2 and Cashea Holyfield 2
1 Department of Psychology, University of South Florida St. Petersburg, 140 7th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA; kgabbido@usf.edu
2 Department of Psychological and Social Foundations, University of South Florida,
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620, USA; yaa1@usf.edu (P.H.); cholyfield@usf.edu (C.H.)
* Correspondence: chennevi@usf.edu
Received: 27 May 2020; Accepted: 14 June 2020; Published: 24 June 2020

Abstract: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is far reaching, with devastating effects onindividuals, communities, and societies across the world. People with chronic health conditions may be at greater risk of contracting or experiencing complications from COVID-19. In addition to illness or death for those who contract the virus, the physical distancing required to flatten the curve of new cases is having a negative impact on the economy, the effects of which intersect with mental health and other existing health concerns, thus affecting marginalized communities. Given that HIV also has a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, COVID-19 is affecting people with HIV (PWH) in unique ways and will continue to have an impact on HIV research and treatment after the COVID-19 crisis passes. Using the biopsychosocial framework to contextualize the impact of COVID-19 on PWH, the purpose of this review article is to: (1) outline the similarities and differences between the COVID-19 and HIV pandemics; (2) describe the current and future impact of COVID-19 on PWH; and (3) outline a call to action for scientists and practitioners to respond to the impact of COVID-19 on HIV prevention and treatment.

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