Examining the Acceptability of a Resilience Building Intervention Among Adults Aging With HIV

Abstract

Few interventions have targeted resilience resources in people living with HIV (PLWH). We tested the acceptability of an existing resilience intervention in middle-age and older PLWH. Fourteen PLWH attended one 3-hr group session, which included videos, quizzes, and written activities. Participants provided quantitative and qualitative feedback. The mean acceptability rating was 8.71 (1.27) on a 10-point scale. A majority of participants reported that the intervention was an appropriate length; that it improved their resilience, mood, and ability to manage HIV; and that they would likely continue using the tools. Average content retention accuracy was 75% (12.66). Qualitative feedback suggested addressing HIV-specific stressors, including disclosure concerns, stigma, health concerns, and treatment adherence. The resilience intervention was deemed highly acceptable among older PLWH. Uptake may increase by addressing HIV-specific stressors and improving comprehensibility. Future research should further refine and test the efficacy of a modified version of the intervention.

Psychological resilience is an independent correlate of health-related quality of life in middle-aged and older adults with HIV in the Deep South

“…These findings have several implications for clinical practice and research. Multi-level resilience interventions that combine cognitive, behavioral, and psychoeducational curriculum maybe more beneficial than interventions based on a single protective resource or coping mechanisms (Fazeli et al, 2021; Steinhardt and Dolbier, 2008). While little work has examined resilience interventions in people aging with HIV, some studies have begun to explore this topic.…”

“…While little work has examined resilience interventions in people aging with HIV, some studies have begun to explore this topic. For example, the acceptability and feasibility of an existing resilience program (Steinhardt and Dolbier, 2008) has been demonstrated in a sample of older PLWH (Fazeli et al, 2021). Qualitative feedback from participants on adapting the program for older PLWH showed a desire for integrating content on addressing common HIV specific (e.g.…”

“…Although there are concerns with living with an incurable disease, and the possibility of long-term effects of ART and co-infections, recent qualitative work found older PLWH are concerned with factors impacting social and psychological domains of HRQoL (Fazeli et al, 2020a). Future studies understanding factors within these domains, such as financial or employment issues, lack of supportive relationships, inter- and intra-personal conflicts, or issues related to everyday life, would provide promising intervention targets to strengthen psychological resilience as PLWH age (Fazeli et al, 2021).…”

Risk Factors of Cognitive Decline in Older Caregivers With HIV: An Emerging Hypothesis

“…For example, programs to improve resilience may be an approach to use with this group. In a sample of 14 older PWH, Fazeli et al (2021) delivered a resilience program composed of a 3-hr group session with quizzes, videos, and written activities. Participants overall found it highly acceptable (8.71 out of 10) and recommended that it address stigma, disclosure concerns, treatment adherence, and health concerns, which are overlapping themes among caregivers with HIV.…”

Parallels Between NeuroHIV and NeuroCOVID-19: Considerations for a Post-COVID-19 Era

“…In a sample of 120 PLWH and 94 adults without HIV, Moore et al (2018) observed that for only PLWH, higher levels of grit (i.e., perseverance in reaching a passion or goal) was associated with less cognitive decline. Thus, strategies to help restore and build resilience in PLWH are needed ( Fazeli et al, 2021 ). Such forays into positive psychology should be considered not only for protecting cognitive health ( Randolph, 2018 ) but also for promoting mental health in PLWH for those with and without COVID.…”