Mental Health Stressors of the COVID-19 Pandemic Negatively Affect Self-Management of Comorbid Cardiovascular Disease Among Persons Living With HIV in the United States: A Qualitative Study

The impact of COVID-19-related mental health effects on health behaviors among people living with HIV (PLWH) remains unknown. Our qualitative study explored the relationship between the mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and self-management of HIV and cardiovascular disease (CVD) among PLWH in the United States. Twenty-four PLWH enrolled in a multicenter, cardiovascular, clinical trial completed one-on-one semistructured interviews to assess changes in mood, health behaviors, and comorbid CVD management during the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of participants (ages 43-70 years) were male ( n = 17, 70.8%) and Black ( n = 19, 79.2%). Participants reported increased mental distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, which they perceived to negatively affect heart-healthy behaviors. Despite mental health stressors, this population continued to adhere to medications, including antiretroviral therapy. Future initiatives should focus on improving mental health outcomes and promotion of healthy lifestyle choices among PLWH to mitigate adverse CVD outcomes.