A Technology-based Psychosocial Intervention to Support Social Engagement and Well-being in Older Adults With HIV

Launched by WEILL MEDICAL COLLEGE OF CORNELL UNIVERSITY · Aug 15, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new program called COPPEhR, which aims to help older adults living with HIV feel more connected and supported. Many older people with HIV experience loneliness, depression, and isolation, especially if they have been living with the virus for over 20 years. The COPPEhR program uses a simple app on a device to help participants engage socially, access helpful resources, and improve their overall well-being. The study will compare those using the COPPEhR app to a control group that only receives the device without the app, to see if the app makes a difference in their mental health and social support.

To be eligible for the trial, participants need to be at least 50 years old, have been diagnosed with HIV for at least 20 years, and be patients at the Center for Special Studies. They should also be able to read at a 6th-grade level and have good cognitive skills to interact with the technology. Participants can expect to use the app over the next nine months, and the researchers will assess how well the program works in helping them feel less lonely and more connected. Overall, this trial is an important step in finding new ways to improve the lives of older adults living with HIV.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age 50+
• • 2. HIV diagnosis for at least 20 years
• • 3. Center for Special Studies (CSS) patient
• • 4. Able to read English at 6th grade level
• • 5. Visually able to read a device screen
• • 6. Adequate cognitive status (score above 37) to interact with the technology assessed by the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status - modified (TICS-M)
• • 7. Plan to remain in the area for the next 9 months
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Not a Center for Special Studies (CSS) patient
• • 2. Blind or have visual impairments that limit their ability to view the technology
• • 3. Deaf or have hearing impairments that limit their ability to use the technology
• • 4. Has a mobility or dexterity impairment that would interfere with the use of a device, mouse, or a keyboard (e.g., tremors, arthritis, etc.)
• • 5. Severe psychosis (e.g., aggression)
• • 6. Severe cognitive impairment that limits their ability to use the technology
• • 7. Participants who do not meet the inclusion criteria.
• • 8. Participants in previous COPPEhR usability testing