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Symposia

Adult- Health Psychology / Behavioral Medicine

Leveraging Community Engagement to Develop Innovative Adapted Interventions and Improve Treatment Outcomes Among Populations with and/or vulnerable to HIV

1 - (SYM 101) Acceptability of a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-Based Group to Promote Healthy Aging Among Older People with HIV: Perspectives on the Importance of Careful Tailoring and Competent Delivery

Saturday, November 16, 2024
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM EST
Location: Regency Ballroom C1, Second Floor Mezzanine, Loews Hotel
Background: Over half of people living with HIV in the United States are aged 50 or older. Older people with HIV (OPWH) experience significant age-related health disparities, where non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death among those with HIV treatment access. There is a critical need to intervene on age-related comorbidities to ultimately improve long-term HIV care. This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) examined a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based group for comorbidity risk reduction by teaching skills to cope with psychological distress and make positive health behavior changes. Qualitative data from exit interviews provided key metrics of acceptability and informed plans for further intervention refinement.  Recruitment occurred via clinic and community-based outreach. Participants were virally undetectable on antiretroviral therapy, deemed psychiatrically stable based on clinical interview, and Management (“CHAMP”). CHAMP included 12 weekly virtual groups led by two interventionists, at least one of whom was a licensed Clinical Psychologist. The one-hour groups included psychoeducation, review of a CBT skill, group discussion, and home practice assignment. CBT skills included cognitive restructuring, SMART goals, behavioral activation, mindfulness, acceptance, urge surfing, progressive muscle relaxation, and self-compassion.



 





Results: Participants had a mean age of 61.1-years old (standard deviation [SD]) = 5.7) and were 53% men, 47% White, and 79% non-Hispanic; 54% reported an annual income between $20,000-40,000USD. Overall, 13 (87%) participants completed the exit interview. Three primary themes emerged: a.) the intervention taught new and reinforced known coping skills, such as deep breathing and mindfulness, by flexibly adapting the review and practice of skills to meet participants’ needs and lived experiences; b.) the group format allowed members to hear other people’s perspectives, which fostered connectivity and peer support, reinforced skills practice, and mitigated loneliness; and c.) participants valued groups comprised of people with similar identities (e.g., gender, race) and a hybrid (i.e., virtual and in-person) format to further foster connection.



 





Conclusions: CHAMP was highly acceptable, attributable to the competency of the interventionists and ability to form meaningful connections in the group. A fully powered RCT of a carefully tailored CHAMP is strongly warranted.