A randomized clinical trial of two telephone-delivered, mental health interventions for HIV-infected persons in rural areas of the United States

AIDS Behav. 2007 Jan;11(1):5-14. doi: 10.1007/s10461-006-9111-9.

Abstract

Through December 2003, more than 55,300 persons were living in small towns and rural areas of the United States at the time of their AIDS diagnosis. Many HIV-infected rural persons experience elevated levels of depression, suicidal ideation, and anxiety. This research tested if two telephone-delivered, mental health interventions could facilitate the adjustment efforts of persons living with HIV/AIDS in rural areas of the United States. Participants (N=299) were recruited through AIDS service organizations in 13 states and assigned to a Usual Care Condition (n=107), an 8-session Information Support Group Intervention (n=84), or an 8-session Coping Improvement Group Intervention (n=108). Participants completed self-administered surveys at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 4- and 8-month follow-ups. ANCOVA revealed that no treatment condition produced reductions in the main outcome measures of depressive and psychological symptoms; however, Information Support participants received significantly more support from friends at 4- and 8-month follow-ups and reported fewer barriers to health care and social services at 4-month follow-up compared to participants in the other two conditions. Telephone-delivered, information-support groups have potential to increase perceptions of support and reduce barriers to health care and social services in this population, but the practical significance of these intervention-related changes is limited.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Algorithms
  • Crisis Intervention / methods*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / psychology
  • HIV Infections / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health Services
  • Rural Population
  • Self-Help Groups
  • Social Adjustment
  • Social Facilitation
  • Telecommunications
  • Telephone*
  • United States