Video-Counseling Intervention to Address HIV Care Engagement, Mental Health, and Substance Use Challenges: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial for Youth and Young Adults Living with HIV

• DOI: 10.1089/tmr.2020.0014
• Publication Date: 2021-01-08T14:48:25Z
• Authors: Parya Saberi; Caravella McCuistian; Emily Agnew; Angie R. Wootton; Dominique A. Legn...; Carol Dawson-Rose; Mallory O. Johnson; Valerie A. Gruber; Torsten B. Neilands
• Keywords: Telehealth; Brief intervention

Background: Substance use and mental health are two barriers to engagement in care antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among youth young adults living with HIV (YLWH). The consequences of suboptimal YLWH increased risk transmission a future generation immunodeficient drug-resistant virus. Methods: Youth Telehealth Texting for Engagement Care (Y2TEC) study was pilot randomized crossover trial that examined the feasibility acceptability novel video-counseling series accompanying text messages aimed at health, substance use, YLWH. intervention consisted twelve 20-30-min weekly sessions focused on identifying addressing care, challenges. Participants completed quantitative surveys baseline, 4 months, 8 months. Feasibility were evaluated using prespecified benchmarks. Results: Fifty aged 18-29 years San Francisco Bay Area enrolled. Eighty-six percent 75% participants retained respectively. A total 455 (76%) completed. In 82% sessions, responded they strongly agreed/agreed this statement: "I felt heard, understood, respected by counselor." 81% "Overall, today's session right me." At reporting challenges, only 10% noted having ever received services, those who reported ∼19% receiving services. After months Y2TEC intervention, slightly higher ART knowledge, decreased depression anxiety, reduced stigma related use. Conclusions: messaging feasible acceptable ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03681145.