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CHAMP: Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for people living with HIV and at least 50 years old
This project is not recruiting.
Overview
What we are studying
The goal of this study is to assess an evidence-based cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) intervention developed for people over 50 living with HIV. Specifically, we will test whether a CBT-based group therapy program provides relief for psychological distress, helps to increase healthy behaviors, and reduces inflammation in the body for people over 50 living with HIV.
Why it is important
Chronic HIV immune activation and resulting inflammation can lead to age-related health disparities. A CBT intervention focused on reducing stress in people over 50 with long-term HIV infection may ultimately mitigate these health disparities.
What we hope to accomplish
This study will allow us to measure the feasibility and acceptability of a CBT group intervention developed for people over 50 living with HIV, which may inform interventions to mitigate age-related health disparities in this population.
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Principal Investigator
Who can participate
Eligible participants are 50 years or older, HIV positive (with an undetectable viral load test within the past 12 months), and on effective ART. Additionally, participants are eligible if fluent in English (speaking and reading), and if willing and able to competently provide informed consent. To confirm HIV status, undetectable viral load, and ART prescription, eligible participants may complete a Medical Records Release Form to allow study staff to access their medical chart. Alternatively, participants may show study staff their most recent viral load result and ART prescription via Zoom.
Who cannot participate
Individuals who are not at least 50 years of age, are not HIV-positive, who do not have an undetectable viral load test within the past 12 months, and who are not on effective ART are not eligible to participate.
What you may be asked to do
This study involves both a paid baseline and follow-up visit, during which you will complete self-report questionnaires on a computer, a blood draw for biomarker measurements, and a structured psychiatric diagnostic interview. A computer will randomly assign you to one of two groups, where you will receive either skills in a group setting or education in a pamphlet. You cannot decide which group you are put in, and we cannot decide either. In group skills, you will attend weekly 1-hour virtual sessions (over Zoom) with two study therapists and other group members over the next 12 weeks. These sessions will focus on living with HIV, healthy aging, and health behaviors. In addition to these sessions, we will ask you to complete weekly shortened self-report questionnaires and an exit interview as part of your participation. You will be given time at the end of each virtual session to complete these weekly self-reports. In the individual education group, we will be giving you a pamphlet with information on living with HIV, healthy aging, and health behaviors. You can expect to receive this pamphlet during your visit to MGH for your blood draw. We will see you at your virtual follow-up visit 12 weeks after your baseline visit, where we will set up a time for you to come into MGH once more for a blood draw. A virtual follow-up session will take place 12 weeks after your baseline visit. Like your baseline visit, this is a paid virtual assessment on Zoom, during which we will ask that you complete computerized self-report questionnaires and a diagnostic interview with a trained member of the study team. We will again schedule an appointment for you to come in to MGH for your second and final intravenous blood draw.
Project activities may include:
- Survey
- Blood draw
- Office visit
Estimated Time Commitment
16 hours over 12 weeks
What You May Get
You will be eligible to receive payment for all in-person and virtual study visits that you complete. Everyone will receive $40 for attending a baseline visit. You will receive $40 for attending the 12-week follow-up visit as well. Eligible participants in the first condition who participate in weekly 1-hour virtual sessions (over Zoom) with two study therapists and other group members may earn an additional $10 for each weekly self-report survey completed and an additional $25 for taking part in an exit interview. We will be using a secure outside vendor (Forte Research) to make payments to you via a reloadable credit card-based system, called Forte Payments. When you enroll in the study, we will provide you with a Forte Payments Visa card. After this card is activated, the study team is able to add payments after each study visit or session you complete, which typically become available to you within a day. Please note that we will need your Social Security number and mailing address in order for us to make payments via Forte; your Social Security number and mailing address will be securely shared with Forte. You are able to use your Forte Payments card at any vendor where Visa cards are accepted.
Location
Massachusetts General Hospital, Behavioral Medicine Program
1 Bowdoin Square, Boston MA 02114
Travel
- Accessible by public transportation
- Parking available
- Local travel reimbursed
Travel and Parking Details
The Behavioral Medicine Program at Massachusetts General Hospital can be accessed via public transportation. You can take the Blue Line to Bowdoin Station, the Red Line to Charles/MGH Station, Orange Line to Haymarket, or Green Line to Government Center. Each of these is withiin a half-mile walk. Garage parking is available at 50 New Sudbury Street (Government Center). Please note that MGH does not operate this garage, however, and that discounted parking may not be available for your visit.
Additional Information
Funding Source
- Other