Tamra Burns Loeb, PhD

Immunocompromised Black and Latinx individuals continue to be disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Yet, little is known about their perceived risks, sources of and access to COVID-19 information, factors that compromise adherence to public health recommendations, and barriers to vaccine uptake. To address these gaps, we will conduct in-depth telephone interviews with 40 English-speaking and 20 Spanish-speaking patients enrolled in an ongoing NHLBI-funded trial to assess (1) perceptions of risk; (2) sources of and access to public health messages; (3) the influence of historical and personal experiences, social factors, and concerns specific to health status on adherence to public health recommendations, including vaccine uptake. Results will help evaluate the reach of and ways to refine public health messages to reduce community spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses among under-resourced Black and Latinx people living with HIV and cardiovascular disease risks.

Update:
Black and Latino people living with HIV (PLWH) and cardiovascular (CVD) risk are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, yet little is known about their pandemic experiences. This study aims to address these gaps with in-depth telephone interviews. Preliminary findings indicate that this subpopulation perceived elevated risks and took preventative measures to safeguard health. Most were unaware of public health messages targeting PLWH or HIV and CVD risk. Healthcare practices and policies are needed to expand the reach of COVID-19 public health messages and address the unique concerns of vulnerable communities managing chronic illness to ensure continuity of care.

Final Project Update: 
This study explores the experiences of people living with HIV and cardiovascular risks during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting their vulnerabilities despite high vaccination rates in this sample. Participants expressed ongoing concerns about personal and community risks, largely due to their immunocompromised status and challenges such as reliance on crowded public transportation and living in under-resourced communities. 

Many participants felt distrust towards the medical system and vaccines, exacerbated by misinformation and unclear public health messaging. However, established relationships with healthcare providers and community support groups played a crucial role in disseminating accurate COVID-19 information and fostering vaccine acceptance. Participants also valued information from their primary care providers and community groups, which helped address their specific concerns related to living with HIV. While most had internet access, many faced challenges with using it effectively to obtain reliable health information. 

The findings underscore the importance of improving digital health literacy and access to trustworthy information for vulnerable populations. It also suggests that acknowledging historical trauma and discrimination can help healthcare professionals address vaccine hesitancy and support the health management of chronic conditions like HIV. Overall, many participants approached COVID-19 with heightened caution and a proactive attitude towards their health, providing opportunities to leverage their experiences with managing chronic illness to navigate novel public health threats. 

Supported by the Mary Fuller Russell Fund