A practical, online program to reduce loneliness and improve mental health for older adults living with HIV

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project tests a web-based program called VV+ that blends a social engagement platform with a brief, therapist-guided mental health tool for people aged 50 and up living with HIV. Over 10 weeks, 80 participants will be randomly assigned to VV+ or a healthy aging control to see if the program is doable and well-liked, and to gather early signals of benefit. Researchers will measure how easy it is to recruit and keep participants, how often people use the program, and feedback on what works and what could be improved. The study builds on prior community input and aims to reduce loneliness, expand social networks, and improve mood and well-being. If feasible and acceptable, VV+ could inform future larger trials to support aging individuals with HIV.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of California, San Diego
  La Jolla, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Nguyen, Annie Lu — University of California, San Diego
• Study coordinator: Nguyen, Annie Lu

Related research

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About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.