Behavioral Activation, Nutrition, and Activity Intervention

Purpose

This study will explore if a behavioral intervention program to assist people aged 50 and older with HIV is practical. The program includes a coach who talks with participants, encouraging them to be more active, reduce loneliness, and eat healthier.

Condition

  • HIV

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Over 50 Years
Eligible Genders
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  1. 50 years of age or older 2. HIV positive diagnosis 3. Montreal Cognitive Assessment score > 13 4. Report minimal level of loneliness, isolation, and/or depression (PHQ9 > 5) 5. Able to consent 6. Ability to read or speak English 7. Attend the UM THRIVE Center or another HIV center in Baltimore

Exclusion Criteria

  1. ) No severe cognitive impairment

Study Design

Phase
N/A
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
Non-Randomized
Intervention Model
Single Group Assignment
Intervention Model Description
The Brief Behavioral Activation (BA) Coaching will involve having lay coaches work with participants remotely (i.e., by phone or videoconference) to identify and schedule values-based, rewarding social engagement and activities and to use strategies to reduce and problem-solve barriers to social connectedness. Participants first review their daily activity patterns, and then chose activity goals, worked on specific implementation plans, and reviewed their successes and areas for improvement. The behavioral activation coach program will be modified to address the needs of people aging with HIV (PAWH) by working with those in the community to tailor the content and mode of delivery. There will be additional modules on physical activity and nutrition.
Primary Purpose
Health Services Research
Masking
None (Open Label)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Experimental
Physical Activity Coaching 		The intervention involves physical activity sessions tailored for people with HIV. Participants engage in physical activities targeting health improvement and fall prevention, promoting physical activity self-efficacy and outcome expectations. Coaches identify individual exercise goals, assess access to physical activity options, and focus on safe, unsupervised strength and balance physical activities at home. Tailored exercise materials, including handouts and videos, are accessible through a website. Additionally, participants are encouraged to follow a structured walking program.
  • Behavioral: Physical Activity Coaching
    4 weekly physical activity coaching sessions with a 1 hour duration for each call.
Experimental
Nutritional Assessment 		Participants will complete a mini nutritional assessment and keep a food diary. Each participant will meet with a registered dietician for an evaluation. The coaching will be personalized based on the dietician's advice and will include information about community resources for food, making sure health options are available, and suggesting diets and recipes for better eating options.
  • Behavioral: Nutritional Coaching
    4 weekly nutritional coaching calls with a Registered Dietician with a 1 hour duration for each call.
Experimental
Behavioral Activation 		Participants receive brief BA (Behavioral Activation) coaching through remote interactions (phone or videoconference) with lay coaches. The structured behavioral approach focuses on identifying and scheduling values-based, rewarding social engagements and activities. Coaches assist in overcoming barriers to social connectedness, involving a review of daily activity patterns, setting activity goals, creating implementation plans, and assessing successes and areas for improvement. The program is adapted for individuals aging with HIV, with community collaboration to tailor content and delivery methods.
  • Behavioral: Social Connection
    6 weekly Behavioral Activation Intervention calls with a 1 hour duration for each call.

Recruiting Locations

University of Maryland, Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Contact:
Ann Gruber-Baldini, PhD
410-706-2444
abaldin@som.umaryland.edu

More Details

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
University of Maryland, Baltimore

Study Contact

Ann Gruber-Baldini, PhD
410-706-2444
abaldin@som.umaryland.edu

Detailed Description

This study aims to see if a 12-week program called Behavioral Activation (BA) can help people aged 50 and above with HIV by reducing loneliness and boosting social engagement. The program includes physical activity and nutrition guidance and is led by remote coaches. Investigators will recruit participants from the University of Maryland THRIVE program and other HIV centers in Baltimore. Investigators will test the program with 10 people aged 50 and above with HIV to see if it works. If it proves to be helpful and accepted, investigators might move on to a larger study to evaluate it more thoroughly.