“That same stigma...that same hatred and negativity:” a qualitative study to understand stigma and medical mistrust experienced by people living with HIV diagnosed with COVID-19

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 and HIV epidemics have exacerbated existing inequities among vulnerable groups and severely impacted communities of color. People living with HIV (PLWH), who may already face stigma or discrimination, are at risk of experiencing further stigma as a result of COVID-19, which can result in medical mistrust. METHODS: We performed qualitative interviews between June and August 2020 among 32 PLWH, including 10 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. A majority of participants perceived themselves as having an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 due to their HIV status. RESULTS: Of those who tested positive for COVID-19, the majority regarded their HIV diagnosis as having a more profound impact on their lives but found similarities between COVID-19 stigma and HIV-related stigma. Many participants also expressed mistrust. CONCLUSIONS: These results can be used to better understand the perspectives of PLWH during the COVID-19 pandemic and have important implications for potential COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and future health crises. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-06693-5.