Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to HIV testing and condom use among two-spirit, gay, bisexual, and queer (2SGBQ+) men in Manitoba.

This cross-sectional online survey (n = 347) examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to HIV testing and condom use among Two-Spirit, gay, bisexual, and queer (2SGBQ+) men in Manitoba. Logistic regression assessed the relationship between socio-demographics and the impact of COVID-19 on access to HIV testing and condom use. Among those who answered a question on testing (n = 282), 27.7% reported reduced access to HIV testing. Among those who answered questions on condom use (n = 327), 54.4% reported decreased use of condoms. Compared to living in Winnipeg, living in a medium-sized city (Brandon) and in rural and remote areas were both associated with higher odds of reporting reduced access to HIV testing due to COVID-19. Participants who were dating (vs. married or partnered) were significantly more likely to report reduced access to HIV testing, but less likely to report decreased use of condoms, while younger age was associated with decreased use of condoms. Service providers must be prepared to respond to the impact of COVID-19 on HIV testing and condom use among younger, sexually active 2SGBQ + men, as well as those who live in small, rural, and remote areas in Manitoba.

Relationship between sociodemographics, loss of income, and mental health among two-spirit, gay, bisexual, and queer men in Manitoba during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study examined the relationship between loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and worsening mental health among a sample of 366 Two-Spirit, gay, bisexual, queer (2SGBQ+) men in Manitoba. Data were drawn from a cross-sectional online survey among 2SGBQ+ men in Manitoba. Logistic regression assessed the relationship between sociodemographics, loss of income due to COVID-19 (independent variable) and worsening of mental health (analytic outcome). Among all respondents in the sample (N = 366), 55% indicated worsening of their mental health. In logistic regression, compared to participants who did not experience any loss of income, those who experienced loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic were significantly more likely to report worsening mental health (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 8.32, 95% Confidence Interval[CI] = 3.54-19.54). Compared to participants who self-identified as gay, bisexual-identifying participants were less likely to report worsening mental health (AOR = .35, 95%CI = 0.13-0.96). Finally, as compared to participants who were married or partnered, participants who were dating (AOR = 3.14, 95%CI = 1.60-6.17), single (AOR = 4.08, 95%CI = 1.75-9.52), and separated/divorced/widowed (AOR = 15.08, 95%CI = 2.22-102.51) were all significantly more likely to report experiencing a worsening of mental health due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study highlights the need to develop robust public strategies for sub-populations of 2SGBQ+ men (non-gay identified sexual minorities and 2SGBQ+ men who may be more socially isolated). Specific targeted and tailored public health interventions designed with the unique needs of 2SGBQ+ men in Manitoba may be required to increase their access to socio-economic and mental health supports.

Public health measures to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Canada during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: The main objectives of this study were to synthesise and compare pandemic preparedness strategies issued by the federal and provincial/territorial (P/T) governments in Canada and to assess whether COVID-19 public health (PH) measures were tailored towards priority populations, as defined by relevant social determinants of health. METHODS: This scoping review searched federal and P/T websites on daily COVID-19 pandemic preparedness strategies between 30 January and 30 April 2020. The PROGRESS-Plus equity-lens framework was used to define priority populations. All definitions, policies and guidelines of PH strategies implemented by the federal and P/T governments to reduce risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission were included. PH measures were classified using a modified Public Health Agency of Canada Framework for Canadian Pandemic Influenza Preparedness. RESULTS: A total of 722 COVID-19 PH measures were issued during the study period. Of these, home quarantine (voluntary) (n=13.0%; 94/722) and retail/commerce restrictions (10.9%; n=79/722) were the most common measures introduced. Many of the PH orders, including physical distancing, cancellation of mass gatherings, school closures or retail/commerce restrictions began to be introduced after 11 March 2020. Lifting of some of the PH orders in phases to reopen the economy began in April 2020 (6.5%; n=47/722). The majority (68%, n=491/722) of COVID-19 PH announcements were deemed mandatory, while 32% (n=231/722) were recommendations. Several PH measures (28.0%, n=202/722) targeted a variety of groups at risk of socially produced health inequalities, such as age, religion, occupation and migration status. CONCLUSIONS: Most PH measures centred on limiting contact between people who were not from the same household. PH measures were evolutionary in nature, reflecting new evidence that emerged throughout the pandemic. Although ~30% of all implemented COVID-19 PH measures were tailored towards priority groups, there were still unintended consequences on these populations.