Bridge to belonging (B2B): peer led intervention to reduce loneliness and depression among older GAY and bisexual men

Active Project Grant Awarded Last action

Award ID
R21AG087792
Recipient
Awarding agency
Obligated
$1,775,500

Award facts

Assistance listing
93.866 Aging Research
Completion date 92% complete
Originally
Place of performance
Boston, MA 02215, USA

Award details come from USAspending.gov.

Description

Abstract
Older GAY and bisexual men living with HIV (ogbmlh) are twice as likely to experience depression compared to heterosexual and HIV-negative counterparts. Depression is now a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among ogbmlh, exceeding that caused by HIV. Consistent with national trends, major contributing factors are elevated rates of loneliness, social isolation, and lack of social support. Innovative interventions that connect ogbmlh to services that increase social support and resilience to reduce depression and loneliness are needed to improve the health and quality of life of ogbmlh. While many socially isolated ogbmlh could benefit from community-building elder services such as congregate meal programs, bereavement groups, support groups, and social gatherings, many do not access services, in part due to fear of discrimination. Scalable efforts are needed to help ogbmlh struggling with depression and loneliness to overcome barriers to engagement in existing social services that could significantly reduce depression and loneliness. We aim to develop and refine a novel evidence-informed intervention, bridge 2 belonging (B2B), to reduce depression and loneliness among ogbmlh by leveraging three evidence-based intervention strategies: cognitive behavioral therapy-based friendship enrichment program (FEP), motivational interviewing (MI) communication styles, and peer mentorship (PM). Guided by the adapt-ITT model, we will systematically solicit feedback on these interventions from ogbmlh (n=30) and subsequently community experts (n=15) to iteratively inform an innovative peer-delivered B2B intervention to increase participation in lgbtq+ affirmative community-building services to reduce symptoms of depression and loneliness, and secondarily improve physical health and quality of life. We will then conduct a small proof-of-concept pilot (n=15) to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the B2B intervention, including the produced manual and peer training. By systematically adapting evidence-based content informed by stakeholder feedback, this R21 will produce and pilot a critically needed intervention to increase engagement in affirmative community-building services to decrease depression and loneliness, as well as improve physical health and quality of life among ogbmlh.

Transactions

Action Obligated Date
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Amendment $443,875
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Original award $443,875

Subawards

Subrecipient Amount Awarded
The General Hospital Corporation This study will develop and refine a novel evidence-informed intervention, Bridge 2 Belonging (B2B) to reduce depression and loneliness among older gay and… $0
Trustees Of Boston University Bridge to Belonging (B2B): Peer led intervention to reduce loneliness and depression among older gay and bisexual men - PROJECT SUMMARY Older gay and bisexual… $0
Trustees Of Boston University This study will develop and refine a novel evidence-informed intervention, Bridge 2 Belonging (B2B) to reduce depression and loneliness among older gay and… $105,784
The General Hospital Corporation $48,954

Quick answers

Who received award R21AG087792?

R21AG087792 was awarded to Fenway Community Health Center, Inc. by National Institute on Aging (National Institutes of Health) on September 15, 2024.

How much is award R21AG087792 worth?

$1,775,500 has been obligated on R21AG087792.

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