Adapting a telephone support intervention to address depression in older adults with HIV

Rates of depression in older people with HIV range as high as 63%, compared to 15% in the general older adult U.S. population. We tested an adaptation of the RESPECT intervention for its feasibility in addressing depression among older adults with HIV (N = 25). RESPECT involves weekly phone calls made by care managers who engage and listen to the participants, and help to identify needed resources. Over the 6-month study period, depressive symptoms were significantly reduced. Qualitative analyses elucidated the participants’ complex behavioral health problems as well as the supportive nature of phone intervention. Implications for practice are explored.