title: A randomized clinical trial of two telephone-delivered, mental health interventions for HIV-infected persons in rural areas of the United States.
abstract: Through December 2003, more than 55,300 persons were living in small towns and rural areas of the United States at the time of their AIDS diagnosis. Many HIV-infected rural persons experience elevated levels of depression, suicidal ideation, and anxiety. This research tested if two telephone-delivered, mental health interventions could facilitate the adjustment efforts of persons living with HIV/AIDS in rural areas of the United States. Participants (N=299) were recruited through AIDS service organizations in 13 states and assigned to a Usual Care Condition (n=107), an 8-session Information Support Group Intervention (n=84), or an 8-session Coping Improvement Group Intervention (n=108). Participants completed self-administered surveys at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 4- and 8-month follow-ups. ANCOVA revealed that no treatment condition produced reductions in the main outcome measures of depressive and psychological symptoms; however, Information Support participants received significantly more support from friends at 4- and 8-month follow-ups and reported fewer barriers to health care and social services at 4-month follow-up compared to participants in the other two conditions. Telephone-delivered, information-support groups have potential to increase perceptions of support and reduce barriers to health care and social services in this population, but the practical significance of these intervention-related changes is limited.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA. heckmant@ohiou.edu
authors.forename: Timothy G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Heckman
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Carlson
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D003419:Crisis Intervention / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services; D012424:Rural Population; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012932:Social Facilitation; D013685:Telecommunications; D013689:Telephone; D014481:United States