Actively Recruiting
Adapting and Piloting a Stress Management Intervention to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Women Living With HIV
Led by University of Alabama at Birmingham · Updated on 2025-08-26
48
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Lead Sponsor
N
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Women living with HIV in the Southern United States face a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to women without HIV. This increased risk is linked not only to traditional factors like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity but also to heightened exposure to social and structural stressors such as poverty, discrimination, and stigma. Researchers are studying the Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) program, which has proven effective in reducing stress responses that contribute to cardiovascular disease. The study aims to adapt this program specifically for women living with HIV in the South to better fit their cultural and faith-based contexts and to pilot the adapted intervention for feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact on reducing stress and cardiovascular risk. The study compares two groups: one receiving usual care from their clinic and the other participating in the adapted SMART program. The SMART program is an evidence-based behavioral intervention delivered over eight weeks that focuses on meditation, mindfulness, and autogenic training to help participants manage their stress and improve psychological resiliency. The program works by reducing physiological stress responses that can worsen cardiovascular health. Participants will be observed and evaluated at multiple points, including baseline, week 8, and week 20. Assessments include measuring blood pressure, depression levels using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, anxiety using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale, perceived stress levels, and resilience with the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. The study focuses on whether the adapted program can effectively reduce stress and improve cardiovascular-related health outcomes while being acceptable and feasible for this population. The total duration of participant involvement covers these assessment points and program delivery.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Adapting a Stress Management Intervention to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Cis-gender females at least 18 years of age
- HIV-seropositive and a patient of the recruiting clinic
- English speaking
You will not qualify if you...
- Severe mental illness
- Not willing or able to provide informed consent
- Not willing or able to attend study visits
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 8 weeks
Participants undergo the Stress Management and Resiliency Training Program designed to reduce physiologic stress and cardiovascular disease risk over an 8-week period.
Weekly visits for 8 weeks
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants are assessed after the intervention to monitor changes in stress and cardiovascular risk factors.
Visits at week 20
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States, 35294
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jenni Wise, PhD, MSN
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
2
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