JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Sexual minority men (SMM) are disproportionately affected by HIV. Medical advances in HIV treatment have extended life expectancy, and as this group ages, medical and psychological challenges become more prominent. Older people with HIV experience higher incidence of cancer and other comorbidities; these burdens along with sexual minority stress can strain coping resources and diminish health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Interventions like cognitive behavioral stress and self-management (CBSM) can mitigate some of this burden; however, no manualized, eHealth-based interventions have focused on the unique needs of SMM living with HIV and cancer. This study aims to refine and finalize an online, CBSM-based intervention to meet the unique needs of this population, including sexual health, co-management of two chronic conditions, and coping with sexual minority stress. This mixed-methods study used a previously-completed qualitative phase (n=6) to inform development of a web-based platform and intervention called SmartManage. The pilot phase study (n=50) involves randomization (1:1) into either the 10 sessions of adapted CBSM or an attention control health promotion (HP). Both conditions used the SmartManage platform—a web based eHealth program designed to deliver CBSM and HP content and host “live” groups. Feasibility and acceptability (e.g., rates of participant engagement/retention) are the primary outcomes. We hypothesize that participants will find the intervention acceptable (compared to engagement and retention rates observed in similar studies of CBSM). We also hypothesize that participants receiving the SmartManage intervention will have reduced symptom burden and improved HRQoL pre- to post-treatment compared to those who do not.