RecruitingNot Applicable

Bridge to Belonging: Peer Led Intervention to Reduce Loneliness and Depression Among Older Gay and Bisexual Men

United States40 participantsStarted 2026-05-06

Plain-language summary

Older gay and bisexual men living with HIV (OGBMLH) are more likely to experience depression and loneliness, which can lead to negative health outcomes. This mixed-methods research study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of the Bridge to Belonging (B2B) intervention. B2B is a peer-delivered, manualized program designed to increase engagement in LGBTQ+-affirming elder services and thereby reduce loneliness and depression among OGBMLH. The program utilizes a) cognitive behavioral therapy-based Friendship Enrichment Program (FEP) to build social skills; b) Peer Mentoring (PM) to model and support engagement in community services; and c) connecting participants to affirming elder services such as meal programs, bereavement groups, social activities, etc. Interventions like B2B are essential to the NIH's goal of improving access to behavioral interventions through advances in HIV/AIDS research.

Who can participate

Age range

50 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * HIV+ and provide evidence or documentation of HIV+ status * Willing to release HIV-related health records * Self-identify as a man who has sex with men * Able to provide informed consent in English * Be ≥50 years old * Score at least a 2 on the PHQ-2 OR score at least a 4 on the UCLA Shortened Loneliness Scale Exclusion Criteria: * HIV- * Does not self-identify as a man who has sex with men * Is less than 50 years old * Scores less than 2 on the PHQ-2 AND scores less than 4 on the UCLA Shortened Loneliness Scale

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Feasibility of recruitment

Timeframe: Through end of enrollment, anticipated September 7, 2026

Proportion of Intervention-Arm Participants Completing at Least One B2B Session

Timeframe: Up to 11 weeks

Perceived Feasibility and Satisfaction with B2B, Assessed via Qualitative Exit Interviews

Timeframe: Week 25

Fidelity to B2B Intervention Content, Assessed via Post-Session Fidelity Checklist

Timeframe: Up to 11 weeks

B2B Intervention Satisfaction, Assessed via Modified Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8)

Timeframe: Up to 11 weeks

Retention Feasibility, Proportion of Enrolled Participants Completing Follow-Up Assessment

Timeframe: Through Week 25

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07762066

SponsorFenway Community Health

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-12-01

Contact for this trial

Abigail W Batchelder, PhD, MPH

6173587640 abigail.batchelder@bmc.org

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More HIV trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

50 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Feasibility of recruitment

Timeframe: Through end of enrollment, anticipated September 7, 2026

Proportion of Intervention-Arm Participants Completing at Least One B2B Session

Timeframe: Up to 11 weeks

Perceived Feasibility and Satisfaction with B2B, Assessed via Qualitative Exit Interviews

Timeframe: Week 25

Fidelity to B2B Intervention Content, Assessed via Post-Session Fidelity Checklist

Timeframe: Up to 11 weeks

B2B Intervention Satisfaction, Assessed via Modified Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8)

Timeframe: Up to 11 weeks

Retention Feasibility, Proportion of Enrolled Participants Completing Follow-Up Assessment

Timeframe: Through Week 25