Trajectories of loneliness and social isolation in older adults with HIV who use methamphetamine
Official title: Trajectories of social isolation and loneliness among older adults living with HIV who use methamphetamine
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11382958 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study follows older adults living with HIV who use methamphetamine to understand how loneliness and isolation change over time and relate to health care use and wellbeing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $240,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA062721-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11382958 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are adults aged 50 or older living with HIV who currently use methamphetamine.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals who do not use methamphetamine or who do not have HIV may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
Older adults with HIV who use methamphetamine will be enrolled to track changes in social isolation, loneliness, substance use, function, and health care use over 12 months. The study combines quantitative measures at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months with qualitative interviews from a subset to capture patient perspectives on HIV care, recovery, and the role of social connections. Results could highlight how stigma and social networks impact treatment engagement and health outcomes in this high-risk group. The findings may inform interventions to reduce isolation and support integrated care for aging people living with HIV who use drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could guide targeted efforts to reduce loneliness and improve health outcomes for older adults with HIV who use methamphetamine.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that social factors influence health outcomes in people with HIV, but this project adds an aging and stimulant-use perspective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Benjamin Hyun — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Han, Benjamin Hyun
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.