Resilience Intervention for Older, HIV-Infected Women

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The goal of this study is to refine and pilot the Relaxation Response Resiliency (3RP) intervention for women age 50 and over who are living with HIV, a group especially burdened by stressors related both to aging and living with chronic disease. The investigators will adapt the 3RP resiliency intervention to the needs of this population and conduct preliminary testing of the group intervention via an open pilot study.

Detailed Description
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Overview. Participants will be women living with HIV (N=up to 40) age 50 or over. Women will be recruited from the Boston area. Based on the investigators' qualitative work, the investigators will deliver an adapted version of the 3RP resiliency intervention to groups of 5-8 HIV-infected women age 50 and over. The 3RP intervention will consist of 8-10 weekly sessions of 90 minutes each focused on skills training to build and enhance resilience. The investigators will conduct baseline and post-treatment quantitative assessments, in addition to individual exit interviews to solicit feedback on the intervention. These data will be used to inform the design of a future randomized pilot study. Study procedures. Participants (N = up to 40) will be HIV-infected women age 50 or over . Participants will be recruited via study flyers (posted in the infectious disease clinics at local hospitals and in the waiting areas of Boston area community organizations) and provider referral. Once an individual expresses interest in the study, a research assistant will screen that individual to assess study eligibility criteria. Individuals who meet inclusion criteria will be invited to sign informed consent and complete an in-person baseline assessment. Participants will then complete the intervention (described below), a post-treatment assessment, and an individual in-depth exit interview to provide feedback on their experience in the study. 3RP Intervention: Once enrolled in the study, participants will complete weekly group sessions of the 3RP intervention. Sessions will focus on developing an understanding of stress sources and physiology, and on developing a regular practice of eliciting the relaxation response (RR) and learning cognitive behavioral and positive psychology skills to enhance resiliency to long-term stress. Participants will be encouraged to practice skills (RR practice, thoughts records to learn adaptive thinking) between group sessions.

Official Title
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Developing a Resilience Intervention for Older, HIV-Infected Women

Conditions
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Resilience, Psychological

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Relaxation Response Resiliency Program (3RP)


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: biologically born women who endorse a female identity HIV-infected age 50 or older English speaking Exclusion Criteria: presence of an active (i.e. untreated) and interfering psychiatric disorder (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance abuse) have participated in a structured cognitive behavioral therapy and/or a mind-body intervention in the past year

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 50 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Other
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Interventional Model Description: This is an open pilot of the adapted Relaxation Response Resiliency Program (3RP).
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Intervention<br>Treatment arm - Relaxation Response Resiliency Program (3RP) (this is an open pilot; the treatment arm is the only arm) | Behavioral: Relaxation Response Resiliency Program (3RP)<br>* The 3RP blends stress management principles, cognitive behavioral therapy, and positive psychology. The 3RP focuses on 3 major areas: (1) eliciting the relaxation response; (2) increasing stress awareness; and (3) promoting adaptive strategies. The 3RP intervention currently consists of eight, 90-minute weekly group sessions. The investigators plan to adapt the intervention to address common concerns for older, HIV-infected women, including: stress of managing a chronic long-term, life threatening illness; additional medical comorbidities; pain and fatigue; stigma and social isolation; depression and anxiety; and sexuality concerns.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Number of Participants Completing Treatment Sessions | The investigators will assess feasibility by collecting data on the number of completed treatment sessions. | Approximately 10 weeks after baseline | 
| Participant Satisfaction With Study Procedures | Acceptability will be assessed using scores on the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8). Response options as follows, Very satisfied, Mostly satisfied, Indifferent or mildly dissatisfied, and Quite dissatisfied. | Approximately 10 weeks after baseline |