Development of an mHealth Intervention (iSTEP) to Promote Physical Activity among People Living with HIV

A randomized controlled trial is being conducted in the United States to test the efficacy of a personalized interactive mobile health intervention (iSTEP) designed to increase physical activity (PA) and improve neurocognitive functioning among HIV-positive persons. This article describes an initial qualitative study performed to develop iSTEP for the HIV-positive population, including assessment of PA barriers and facilitators. Two focus groups, with 9 and 12 unique HIV-positive individuals, respectively, were administered to evaluate barriers limiting PA and potential iSTEP content created to encourage greater PA. Group discussions revealed prominent PA barriers, including HIV symptoms (neuropathy, lipoatrophy), antiretroviral medication effects, and fatigue; significant PA facilitators included self-monitoring and family support. Participants provided feedback on strategies to increase PA and expressed positive support for a mobile intervention adapted to personal priorities. These findings will assist the development of novel PA interventions focused on treating the epidemic of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.

[1]  Michael J. Taylor,et al.  HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders persist in the era of potent antiretroviral therapy , 2010, Neurology.

[2]  Jerilyn K Allen,et al.  Mobile phone interventions to increase physical activity and reduce weight: a systematic review. , 2013, The Journal of cardiovascular nursing.

[3]  I. Grant,et al.  Semantic cueing improves category verbal fluency in persons living with HIV infection. , 2012, The Journal of neuropsychiatry and clinical neurosciences.

[4]  J. Voss,et al.  Development of Evidence‐Based Exercise Recommendations for Older HIV‐Infected Patients , 2012, The Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care : JANAC.

[5]  I. Grant,et al.  An active lifestyle is associated with better neurocognitive functioning in adults living with HIV infection , 2014, Journal of NeuroVirology.

[6]  Jacob E. Barkley,et al.  A Cross‐Sectional Description of Age and Gender Differences in Exercise Patterns in Adults Living With HIV , 2015, The Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care : JANAC.

[7]  K. Phillips,et al.  Moderate intensity exercise training reverses functional aerobic impairment in HIV-infected individuals , 2008, AIDS care.

[8]  S. Knecht,et al.  Physical activity and memory functions: An interventional study , 2011, Neurobiology of Aging.

[9]  Marc Paccalin,et al.  Effects of a Physical Training Programme on Cognitive Function and Walking Efficiency in Elderly Persons with Dementia , 2010, Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders.

[10]  G. Hand,et al.  Impact of Aerobic and Resistance Exercise on the Health of HIV-Infected Persons , 2009, American journal of lifestyle medicine.

[11]  K. Patrick,et al.  Promoting walking among older adults living in retirement communities. , 2012, Journal of aging and physical activity.

[12]  C. Abraham,et al.  Effective techniques in healthy eating and physical activity interventions: a meta-regression. , 2009, Health psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association.

[13]  R. Bornstein,et al.  Effect of Exercise on Neuropsychological Performance in Asymptomatic HIV Infection , 1999, AIDS and Behavior.

[14]  Terry L. Jernigan,et al.  HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders before and during the era of combination antiretroviral therapy: differences in rates, nature, and predictors , 2010, Journal of NeuroVirology.

[15]  I. Grant,et al.  Physical exercise is associated with less neurocognitive impairment among HIV-infected adults , 2013, Journal of NeuroVirology.

[16]  J. Ribeiro,et al.  Exercise training in HIV-1-infected individuals with dyslipidemia and lipodystrophy. , 2006, Medicine and science in sports and exercise.

[17]  A. Wilkins,et al.  Aerobic exercise interventions for people with HIV/AIDS. , 2001 .