Longitudinal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents living with HIV in New York City

Abstract

Adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) are particularly susceptible to disruptions in care, which may lead to poor HIV-related health outcomes. Here, we report the results of a longitudinal phone-based study investigating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on ALWH in New York City. Participants (N = 10, mean age 21.2 years, 50% female) demonstrated substantial COVID-19 knowledge and identified Instagram as their primary source of COVID-19 information. Nearly all participants reported loss of income, and 50% reported experiencing food insecurity as a result of the pandemic. These findings highlight existing vulnerabilities among ALWH that may threaten the continuum of care.