Proof of Concept for the FLEX Intervention: Feasibility of Home Based Coaching to Improve Physical Activity Outcomes and Viral Load Suppression among African American Youth Living with HIV

Abstract

FLEX is a Motivational Interviewing, home-based coaching program that concurrently targets HIV-related and physical activity goals among African American youth living with HIV in the United States. To create and pilot test FLEX, we leveraged a 2-step exploratory sequential mixed methods design informed by the ORBIT model with initial qualitative work followed by pre-post analysis of quantitative outcomes, concluding with qualitative exit surveys. Data were evaluated pre- and 3-months post-intervention. Recruitment was 90%. Participants reported high program satisfaction and program adherence (76% completion rate). Preliminary findings indicate reductions in participants’ viral loads and improvements across 4 measures of physical activity.