Virtual Reality-Based Psychological Intervention for Young Adults Living With HIV: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Young adults (15-24 years old) living with HIV may experience pressure both from HIV infection and social role change problems, resulting in a series of psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. Effective psychological intervention can improve their mental health and quality of life.

Objective: The study aims to explore the effectiveness of VR-based mental intervention on young adults living with HIV. The application and advantages of virtual reality (VR) in children's psychotherapy provide new ideas for psychological intervention for young adults living with HIV.

Methods: We use the qualitative interviews and questionnaire results as well as guided by classical psychotherapy to create a personalized psychological intervention system for young adults living with HIV through VR technology, which is based on the long-term AIDS treatment cohort and infectious diseases cohort of children. We use the mental scales and biochemical indexes as the outcomes, conducting a prospective randomized controlled trial to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the VR psychological intervention system.

Results: The study began enrollment in September 2023. To date, 160 participants have finished the baseline questionnaires.

Conclusions: The study results might provide a scientific basis for accurate psychological treatment among young adults living with HIV in the future.

International registered report identifier (irrid): DERR1-10.2196/55633.