When Pandemic meets Epidemic: The Sociological Effects of COVID-19 on HIV Patients in Rural Pennsylvania

Abstract

The fight to end the global epidemic of HIV/AIDS has faced extreme obstacles with the introduction of COVID-19. Nationwide lockdowns in March of 2020, coupled with fears around the virus, stifled patient care as doctors had to adapt quickly. Healthcare resources have been reallocated to address the issues of SARS-CoV-2 while maintaining HIV care, yet little attention has been paid to rural communities and their unique needs. By conducting qualitative interviews with 12 HIV-positive patients in a rural county of Pennsylvania, this paper plans to explore how the pandemic has affected this underserved community through social determinants of health (SDOH). Sharing these perspectives are critical to surmounting the challenges people living with HIV face during a time of uncertainty. Finally, it is important to consider the benefits and limitations of new healthcare technologies for rural Americans as technology shifts us to a virtual landscape.