Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), under the Cardiovascular Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.837), awarded a five-year Project Grant of $780,960 to Kaiser Foundation Hospitals (Kaiser Permanente), effective July 3, 2026 through June 30, 2031. The award funds a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate and improve treatment adherence among young adults (ages 18–25) with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The research will test two interventions to promote continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) adherence, including an enhanced version of motivational enhancement therapy (MET) augmented with three evidence-based adjunctive modules titled "HEALTH." These modules are designed to address key adherence barriers specific to young adults, who face unique obstacles including transitions to independent health management, new social stressors, and developing coping skills.

The project leverages Kaiser Permanente's integrated healthcare system infrastructure, comprehensive electronic health records covering 4.5 million diverse members, and established research operations to conduct a pragmatic trial at its Pasadena, California location. Deliverables include trial design implementation, participant enrollment and management, intervention delivery and fidelity monitoring, outcome evaluation, and mechanistic analysis of factors influencing CPAP adherence in the young adult population. The award advances NHLBI's mission to support clinical and translational research that translates evidence into improved health outcomes by addressing a critical gap in adherence interventions for a vulnerable age group where early intervention can yield lifelong health benefits.