In addition to concern about physical health consequences of COVID-19, many researchers also note the concerning impact on behavioral health and quality of life due to disruption. The purpose of this paper is to explore pathways of COVID-19 behavioral health and quality of life. We found increased anxiety, depression, and alcohol misuse and that the pandemic exacerbated prior problems. Further community indicators also lead to poorer behavioral health and overall decreased quality of life. The nature of COVID-19 and vast reach of the virus suggests that behavioral health concerns should take a primary role in pandemic recovery.

The prevalence of co-occurring diabetes and hypertension among older adults was alarmingly high. The notable difference in the likelihood of co-occurring diabetes and hypertension is representative of a racial health disparity that largely disfavors African American older adults. Findings from the present study highlight a need for identification of older adults who have and who are at risk of co-occurring diabetes and hypertension in the general population and in clinical settings, and the development and implementation of suitable interventions, particularly targeting older African American adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1356-1360.

This study describes clinical characteristics of poor and uninsured patients living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) who received care from a multidisciplinary HCV clinic, reports treatment completion and cure rates, and estimates the cost of HCV medications provided at no cost to uninsured patients. A retrospective chart review was performed and identified 69 uninsured HCV patients who received medical care at Mercy Health Center, a small non-profit community clinic, between January 2008 and March 2015. Three-fourths of the patients were unemployed, a third had multiple HCV exposures, nearly half acquired HCV due to illicit drug use, and more than half had active psychiatric disorders. Of those who received HCV treatment, 81% completed treatment and 85% were achieved virological cure. The multidisciplinary community clinic provided > $1.4 million of HCV antivirals at no cost to uninsured patients. Findings suggest a multidisciplinary community clinic comprised of a social worker, pharmacist, gastroenterologist, nurse, nurse practitioner, psychologist, and dietitian can help patients achieve HCV treatment completion and cure rates comparable to traditional physician-led clinics, and successfully manage uninsured and underserved HCV patients-who are often regarded as "difficult-to-treat" patients. Public health social workers and other health professionals are encouraged to advocate for treatment and care of poor and uninsured patients living with HCV in health agencies and health systems, otherwise population-wide reductions in HCV morbidity and mortality will not be realized.

Background: Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is important to counter synergistic effects of HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) in patients living with co-infection. Predictors of ART nonadherence among patients living with HIV/HCV co-infection are not well established. This knowledge would be advantageous for clinicians and behavioral health specialists who provide care to patients living with HIV/HCV co-infection.

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