CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
Grant Title: CHAMP+: Supporting HIV-infected youth and families
Project Name: CHAMP+
Funding Source and Project Period: NIMH, R34; 2005 - 2007
Collaborating Institutions and Key Personnel:
Mt. Sinai School of Medicine:
Principal Investigator: Mary McKay, Ph.D. (also HIV Center)
HIV Center:
Co-Principal Investigator: Claude Ann Mellins, Ph.D.
Project Overview:
The primary aim of this proposed Phase 2 research study is to 1) refine and
pilot test the feasibility and acceptability of a family-based intervention for
pre- and early adolescent perinatally HIV-infected youth and their adult
caregivers in three urban pediatric AIDS clinics; 2) identify barriers and
facilitators to implementation of the proposed intervention; 3) estimate
intervention parameters (e.g., effect size, study population variance, attrition
rates, and response rates); and 4) examine the preliminary impact of the
intervention on youth's risk taking behaviors, as well as on family processes
that promote youth's physical and mental health immediately post intervention
and at 4-month follow-up. These preliminary data will ultimately be used to
inform a larger scale effectiveness study. The need for this study is reflected
in increasing numbers of perinatally HIV-infected children reaching adolescence
as a result of successful antiretroviral therapies (ART). Perinatally infected
adolescents are a fast emerging risk group for substantive mental health and
behavioral difficulties. Further complicating the life circumstances of
perinatally infected youth is the fact that even brief episodes of non-adherence
to ART can permanently undermine treatment and lead to reduced efficacy of ART
and increased resistance to medications. Thus, perinatally infected adolescents
may be living with a multidrug resistant virus. This grim reality becomes a
serious public health issue as youth approach adolescence, a time of increased
experimentation with sexual behavior and drug use. The proposed family-based
intervention, CHAMP+, draws upon an evidence-based HIV prevention program
developed for inner-city pre and early adolescents and their families, the CHAMP
(Collaborative HIV prevention and Adolescent Mental Health Program) Family
Program (McKay et al., 2000; Madison, McKay et al., 2000). Originally, CHAMP was
created to promote resilience in uninfected inner-city youth and their families
by bolstering key family and youth processes related to youth risk taking
behaviors. After a process of adaptation with input from researchers, adult
caregivers of HIV-positive youth, youth and health care providers, the CHAMP+
curriculum was developed. CHAMP+ consists of 13 weekly family group meetings
that focus on 1) the impact of HIV on the family; 2) loss and stigma associated
with HIV disease; 3) HIV knowledge and understanding of health and medication
protocols; 4) family communication about puberty, sexuality and HIV; 5) social
support and decision making related to disclosure; and 6) parental supervision
and monitoring related to sexual and drug use possibility situations and to
helping youth manage their health and medication.
A sample of 60 pre- and early adolescent youth (10 to 14 years) and their adult
caregivers receiving care in three pediatric HIV programs in New York City will
be randomly assigned to one of two study conditions: 1) CHAMP+ or; 2) standard
of care (HIV health-related education is provided as part of standard health
care at all sites) and assessed at pre-test, post-test and 4-month follow-up.
The proposed study is being conducted by a multi-disciplinary team of
investigators that have substantial experience conducting research studies
related to HIV, health, and mental health.
Publications and Presentation Abstracts: None to date
Update: 3/13/06
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