Grant: Operating Grant - HIV/AIDS CBR Program - General

In Canada, HIV is considered a chronic disease. As people are living longer they can experience a variety of health-related challenges associated with HIV and side effects of its treatment, aging and other health conditions. These challenges may be termed disability, which include symptoms and impairments, difficulties with day-to-day activities, challenges to social inclusion, and uncertainty about health status. All of these challenges can fluctuate on a daily basis or over the entire life course with HIV. Exercise is one intervention that can lessen the experience of disability and improve the health of people living with HIV (PHAs). Despite the benefits, few PHAs engage in regular physical activity. It is essential to consider exercise interventions that are accessible and practical for PHAs to sustain over the long term. Community-based exercise (CBE) offers an ideal approach for enhancing health of PHAs within a self-management framework. However, the impact of CBE when translated into the 'real-world' HIV community setting, and its sustainability over the long term are unknown. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a community-based exercise (CBE) intervention for adults living with HIV within the community. We will use a prospective longitudinal mixed methods study design to evaluate a six month CBE intervention with PHAs administered in partnership with the YMCA. Using the RE-AIM Framework, we will evaluate the Reach (extent to which PHAs engage in the CBE intervention); Evaluation (effect of the intervention on health and disability outcomes); Adoption and Implementation (strengths and challenges of implementing CBE from the perspective of fitness instructors, managers, and PHAs) and Maintenance (engagement in exercise after an 8 month follow-up period). This research is critical for establishing a feasible, effective, and sustainable CBE intervention that may be more broadly implemented across Canada to enhance the health of PHAs.