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. 2023 Dec;35(12):1830-1835.
doi: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2128161. Epub 2022 Oct 6.

Exercise preferences for young people at-risk for and living with HIV: a short report

Nicholas J SantaBarbara  1   2 , Dallas Swendeman  1 , Elizabeth Mayfield Arnold  3 , Sanaz Nosrat  4 , Warren Scott Comulada  1
Affiliations

Exercise preferences for young people at-risk for and living with HIV: a short report

Nicholas J SantaBarbara et al. AIDS Care. 2023 Dec.

Abstract

Exercise can improve physical and mental health for young people at risk for and with HIV, but prevalence rates remain low. This study explored exercise preferences and barriers among young people at risk for and with HIV, and potential gender differences. A total of 129 participants (66.7% male, mean age = 23.8 [SD = 2.1; range: 19-28], 35.7% Black/African American) at-risk for or with HIV were recruited from a larger study and completed an online survey of exercise preferences and barriers. Overall, participants preferred an exercise program that takes place at a fitness center, occurs alone, has a coach/instructor present, is between 30 and 60 minutes, lasts longer than 8 weeks, and includes aerobic and resistance exercises. The fatiguing nature of exercise and cost were common barriers among all genders. Few gender differences emerged. These results should be used to design exercise programs for young adults at risk for and with HIV.

Keywords: Exercise preferences; HIV; mental health; physical activity; physical health.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interests

Authors report no conflicts of interest.

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