Testing Two Interventions to Improve Health Outcomes and Quality of Life Among Rural Older Adults Living With HIV

Viral Suppression,Antiretroviral Treatment Medication Adherence,Health-Related Quality of Life,Depressive Symptoms

Engagement in HIV medical care and adherence to HIV medications are both essential in
 improving health outcomes among people living with HIV (PLH), but PLH living in rural
 areas-who suffer higher mortality rates than their urban counterparts-can confront multiple
 barriers to care engagement and adherence, especially as they face the logistical, medical,
 and social challenges associated with aging. This project will test the efficacy of two
 interventions to determine their impact on HIV health outcomes and quality of life among
 rural, older PLH living in the Southern U.S. The two interventions, adapted from
 evidence-based interventions and delivered remotely, are: (1) supportive-expressive peer
 social support groups and (2) strengths-based case management. We hypothesize that both
 interventions will increase viral suppression, antiretroviral therapy adherence, and
 health-related quality of life and decrease depressive symptoms. Results from this study will
 provide us with tools to improve health outcomes for rural older people living with HIV.