Recruiting

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

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT07762066

PhaseNA

Enrollment40

SponsorFenway Community Health

Age50 Years

SexALL

I'm interested View official listing

Conditions studied

HIV

About this study

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.

Interventions

Behavioral: B2B Intervention — This 10-session peer-delivered intervention is designed to reduce depression and loneliness among OGBMLH by addressing barriers to engagement in LGBTQ+-affirming community services. The intervention involves group sessions facilitated by trained peer interventionists, drawing on two evidence-based components: the cognitive behavioral therapy-based Friendship Enrichment Program (FEP) to build social skills and Peer Mentoring (PM) to model and support engagement in community services. Sessions are structured around skill-building activities designed to a) reduce stigma-related barriers to community participation, b) create and strengthen social connections, and c) increase confident and motivation to engage in community services. Participants will also receive resource navigation as needed.
Behavioral: Control condition — The control condition will involve a resource guide of content related to local LGBTQ+-affirming community service (e.g., information related to community meal programs, social groups, etc.)

Primary outcomes

Feasibility of recruitment (Through end of enrollment, anticipated September 7, 2026)
Proportion of Intervention-Arm Participants Completing at Least One B2B Session (Up to 11 weeks)
Perceived Feasibility and Satisfaction with B2B, Assessed via Qualitative Exit Interviews (Week 25)
Fidelity to B2B Intervention Content, Assessed via Post-Session Fidelity Checklist (Up to 11 weeks)
B2B Intervention Satisfaction, Assessed via Modified Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) (Up to 11 weeks)
Retention Feasibility, Proportion of Enrolled Participants Completing Follow-Up Assessment (Through Week 25)

Eligibility information

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

Study locations

Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02215 United States

Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.