Considerations for Developing and Implementing an Online Community-Based Exercise Intervention for Adults Living with HIV: a qualitative study
Authors: Lau Bernice , Sharma Isha , Manku Sukhbir , Kobylianski Julia , Wong Li Yin , Ibáñez-Carrasco Francisco , Carusone Soo Chan , O’Brien Kelly K. 
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To describe the need for and utility of online community-based exercise (CBE) interventions with adults living with HIV and identify factors to consider in developing and implementing an online CBE intervention with adults living with HIV.

Design

Qualitative descriptive study using web-based semi-structured interviews.

Participants

We recruited adults representing at least one of five stakeholder groups with experience in CBE and/or HIV: 1) adults living with HIV, 2) rehabilitation professionals, 3) fitness personnel, 4) educators with eLearning experience, and 5) representatives from HIV community-based organizations (CBOs).

Data Collection

We asked participants to describe their experiences with online CBE, need and utility for online CBE, and factors in developing and implementing online CBE interventions. We analyzed data using group-based content analytical techniques.

Results

Among the 11 participants, most had experience working with adults living with HIV (73%) or with tele-health/rehabilitation/coaching in HIV or other chronic conditions (91%). Participants identified the need and utility for online CBE interventions to increase accessibility and continuity of care with adults living with HIV. Six factors to consider in developing and implementing online CBE included: 1)person-specific considerations (episodic nature of HIV, stigma, HIV disclosure), 2)accessibility of program (physical space to exercise, reliable internet, access to devices, digital literacy), 3)program delivery and technology (live versus pre-recorded online classes, multiple online platforms for delivery, physical activity tracking, troubleshooting technology), 4)attributes of program personnel (working with CBOs, relatable instructors, diverse staff), 5)program content and design (tailored exercise classes, educational sessions) and 6)building community (shared experiences, peer support, social opportunities).

Conclusions

There is a need and utility for online CBE in the context of HIV. Considerations for development and implementation span individual, structural and technical, and community dimensions. Results can inform the future development and implementation of online CBE with adults living with HIV and other chronic episodic conditions.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY

To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative study exploring the perspectives of key stakeholders in developing and implementing an online community-based exercise (CBE) program for adults living with HIV.

Insights gained from this study can help to inform future online community-based exercise programming for adults living with HIV and other chronic and episodic conditions.

We used the Model for ASsessment of Telemedicine applications (MAST) framework as a conceptual foundation to design the interview guide, which enabled us to comprehensively explore diverse aspects of telemedicine services in relation to information, communication and technology.

All interviews were conducted online with participants who had access to technological devices and reliable internet, therefore, results may not be transferable to individuals or contexts without access to technology.

Most participants were living in Canada, hence, it is unclear how results may be transferable to other geographical contexts.