Steve Safren, researcher at UM, found that COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting Latinx sexual minority men. UM health experts aided in the creation of the Pandemic Stress Index and were the first to assess Latinx sexual minority men’s responses.

“COVID-19 has really changed the way in which we have to look at sexual health among those who may be living with or at risk for HIV,” said Safren. Researchers found that sexual minority men experienced anxieties, depression, sleep difficulties, substance use, loss of income or employment, and fears about how others are managing COVID.

• Steven Safren