Development of an mHealth Intervention (iSTEP) to Promote Physical Activity among People Living with HIV

This article describes an initial qualitative study performed to develop iSTEP for the HIV-positive population, including assessment of PA barriers and facilitators. Two focus groups, with 9 and 12 unique HIV-positive individuals, respectively, were administered to evaluate barriers limiting PA and potential iSTEP content created to encourage greater PA. Group discussions revealed prominent PA barriers, including HIV symptoms (neuropathy, lipoatrophy), antiretroviral medication effects, and fatigue; significant PA facilitators included self-monitoring and family support. Participants provided feedback on strategies to increase PA and expressed positive support for a mobile intervention adapted to personal priorities. These findings will assist the development of novel PA interventions focused on treating the epidemic of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.

Source: Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC) - November 19, 2015 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Montoya, J. L., Wing, D., Knight, A., Moore, D. J., Henry, B. L. Tags: Short Communication Source Type: research