COVID-19 Stress Is Associated with Increased Smoking among People with HIV in Western Washington: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background. People living with HIV (PWH) frequently have co-morbid substance use disorders that may have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined associations between COVID-related stress and increased substance use among PWH in Washington State. Methods. Between August 2020 and March 2021, we conducted an online survey of 397 PWH in western Washington. Logistic regression was used to analyze associations between a COVID-19 stress score and four self-reported outcomes: increased alcohol use, increased cigarette smoking, increased marijuana use, and increased use of illicit substances. Results. Thirty-five (38.0%) of 92 participants who smoked, 61 (23.4%) of 261 participants who used alcohol, 15 (14.6%) of 103 participants who used marijuana, and 35 (33.0%) of 102 participants who used illicit substances reported increased use of these substances. Higher COVID-19 stress scores were associated with higher odds of increased cigarette smoking (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-1.27), even after adjustment for anxiety and depressive symptoms (aOR 1.14, 95%CI: 1.03-1.27). COVID-19 stress was not associated with an increased use of alcohol, marijuana, or illicit substances. Conclusions. COVID-19-related stress was associated with self-reported increased cigarette smoking among PWH in western Washington during the pandemic.