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Published on: April 19, 2019
Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Education Using a Virtual Environment in Sexual-Minority Men of Color With HIV:
S Raquel Ramos1,2,3,4, Constance Johnson5,6, Gail Melkus7
1School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, CT, United States.
Insights
This study introduces a virtual environment to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in sexual-minority men of color with HIV. The intervention aims to improve education and social support for behavior modification.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Digital Health
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death, particularly in minority males and individuals with HIV.
- By 2030, an estimated 78% of people with HIV will have CVD.
- Sexual-minority men of color with HIV face a high burden of CVD risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the first technology-based virtual environment intervention for CVD prevention.
- To address behavioral, modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities.
- To target sexual-minority men of color living with HIV.
Main Methods:
- Guided by Social Cognitive Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model.
- A sequential, mixed-method, waitlist-controlled randomized feasibility trial.
- Aim 1: Qualitative exploration of CVD risk perceptions (15 participants). Aim 2: Feasibility and acceptability of a virtual environment for CVD prevention (80 participants).
Main Results:
- Study approved by multiple IRBs starting in 2019.
- Aim 1 data collection is 87% complete as of April 2022.
- Recruitment for Aim 2 is scheduled to begin in mid-May 2022.
Conclusions:
- This study pioneers an online virtual environment for CVD prevention in a high-risk population.
- The intervention is expected to enhance CVD prevention education.
- Anticipated outcomes include improved peer social support and modification of CVD risk behaviors.
Background:
It is estimated that 70% of all deaths each year in the United States are due to chronic conditions. Cardiovascular disease (CVD), a chronic condition, is the leading cause of death in ethnic and racial minority males. It has been identified as the second most common cause of death in persons with HIV. By the year 2030, it is estimated that 78% of persons with HIV will be diagnosed with CVD.
Objective:
We propose the first technology-based virtual environment intervention to address behavioral, modifiable risk factors associated with cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities in sexual-minority men of color with HIV.
Methods:
This study will be guided using social cognitive theory and the Technology Acceptance Model. A sequential, mixed method, waitlist controlled randomized control feasibility trial will be conducted. Aim 1 is to qualitatively explore perceptions of cardiovascular risk in 15 participants. Aim 2 is to conduct a waitlist controlled comparison to test if a virtual environment is feasible and acceptable for CVD prevention, based on web-based, self-assessed, behavioral, and psychosocial outcomes in 80 sexual-minority men of color with HIV.
Results:
The study was approved by the New York University Institutional Review Board in 2019, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in 2020, and by the Yale University Institutional Review Board in February 2022. As of April 2022, aim 1 data collection is 87% completed. We expect to complete data collection for aim 1 by April 30, 2022. Recruitment for aim 2 will begin mid-May 2022.
Conclusions:
This study will be the first online virtual environment intervention for CVD prevention in sexual-minority men of color with HIV. We anticipate that the intervention will be beneficial for CVD prevention education and building peer social supports, resulting in change or modification over time in risk behaviors for CVD.
Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05242952; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05242952.
International Registered Report Identifier (Irrid):
PRR1-10.2196/38348.
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