From crisis to connection: HIV care telehealth as an antidote to loneliness during the COVID-19 stay-at-home era
An article in AIDS and Behavior, published August 14, 2025.
Authors: Shanti Parikh, Zeles Vargas, Khadijah Kareem, Johnelle Lamarque, Trisha Bose, Julia D. López
This study explores how the COVID-19 pandemic and related disruptions to healthcare systems impacted people living with HIV who were receiving treatment at an infectious disease (ID) clinic. The research particularly focuses on the use of telehealth as a means to maintain HIV care and combat feelings of loneliness during the stay-at-home era.
Key findings include:
Improved Clinical Outcomes: Despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic, clinical outcomes for patients improved unexpectedly. Retention rates in HIV care increased slightly from 2019 to 2020, and the time between visits decreased significantly.
Benefits of Integrated HIV Care: The integrated HIV care model at the clinic significantly contributed to improved clinical outcomes. This model encouraged participants to advocate for their own health, pursue personal goals, and engage in life projects beyond clinical care.
Trust and Health Knowledge: Participants developed strong ties with clinic staff, which fostered trust in health information. This trust motivated them to adopt COVID-19 precautions early. However, adhering to these precautions also exacerbated feelings of isolation, anxiety, and other psychological and physical co-morbidities.
Telehealth as a Social Connection: The expanded availability of telehealth during the pandemic helped participants maintain regular HIV care appointments. Initially, participants had negative feelings about telehealth. However, they soon valued these appointments as opportunities for social connection, which mitigated feelings of loneliness.
For HIV researchers and advocates, this study underscores the importance of integrated care models and telehealth in maintaining engagement in HIV care, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth not only supports ongoing clinical care but also serves as a vital tool to combat loneliness and foster social connections among people living with HIV. Future efforts should continue to expand telehealth and incorporate holistic care approaches to enhance both medical and psychosocial outcomes for patients.