Creating a Virtual Village for People Aging With HIV During COVID-19

In a PCORI-funded project on HIV and aging engagement that was co-led by the study team, the topics of isolation and depressions were identified as priority areas of deep concern among older PLWH. The COVID-19 pandemic has enhanced the urgency to test interventions to mitigate depression and isolation among older PLWH. However, there is scant evidence on effective interventions that help mitigate depression and isolation among older PLWH. While physical distancing and stay at home orders are a necessary strategy to flatten the curve, ease pressure on the healthcare system, and protect the most vulnerable, the order further increases the isolation faced by people aging with HIV, and creates barriers to accessing medications, health services, and other resources. This project will include 6 virtual focus groups and 12 individual interviews with adults ages 50 or older in California (Palm Spring, Los Angeles) and the Tampa-Bay region, Florida to (1): further characterize issues related to depression, isolation, and basic needs of people aging with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic (2) utilizing results from Aim 1, co-develop ideas for what to include in a virtual village, and (3) create and pilot the virtual village in a group of people aging with HIV. The overall goal of this study is to execute an innovative solution to address issues related to isolation for older PLWH which have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic.