Social Determinants of Health Among Persons Living with HIV Impact Important Health Outcomes in Michigan

Addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) is a national priority for improving quality of life and addressing obstacles to accessing care for people living with HIV (PLWH). Utilizing the Oregon Social Determinants of HIV Health Index and CDC's Medical Monitoring Project, we examined the association between social determinants of health and various HIV clinical outcomes and quality of life indicators, including stigma and mental health, for people living with HIV in Michigan. We calculated estimates of SDOHs, clinical outcomes, stigma, and mental health using weighted percentages and prevalence ratios with predicted marginal means, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and gender/sexual orientation. Compared with PLWH reporting 0–1 SDOH challenges, those reporting ≥ 4 SDOH challenges were more likely to miss ≥ 1 HIV care appointment (aPR: 2.57, 95% CI 1.70–3.88), have symptoms of depression (aPR: 4.03, 95% CI 2.68–6.05) and anxiety (aPR: 3.55, 95% CI 2.25–5.61), and less likely to have 100% antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence (aPR: 0.62, 95% CI 0.50–0.78) and sustained viral suppression (aPR: 0.77, 95% CI 0.65–0.90). Stigma scores were highest for those reporting ≥ 4 SDOH challenges. Our findings indicate significant associations between SDOH and adverse HIV health and quality of life outcomes which can inform and direct federal, state, and local strategies aimed at improving these outcomes. Linking PLWH to social support services and providing mental health screening and care services could benefit their mental and emotional well-being, leading to better healthcare outcomes.