Reducing social isolation and loneliness through physical activity to lower cardiovascular disease risk among military women and men reintegrating into civilian life

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Project Summary/Abstract Social isolation is the quantifiable measure of social interactions and relationships, whereas loneliness is the perceived level of social isolation. These experiences are especially pronounced during life transitions. Social isolation and loneliness have deleterious effects on cardiovascular health. The development of a culturally sensitive, behavior change intervention that emphasizes the provision of social support, development of a sense of belonging, and foster feelings of social connectedness has the promise to reduce the growing public health epidemic of social isolation and loneliness while improving cardiovascular health. I have developed the proposed core training objectives to acquire a unique and valuable skill set in the following areas: 1) gain proficiency in community-engaged research (CEnR) for the development of effective physical activity (PA) interventions, 2) obtain knowledge and skills related to the health implications, evaluation, and treatment of social isolation and loneliness, 3) develop expertise in mixed methods study design to conduct behavioral randomized control trials (RCT), and 4) acquire knowledge of the health and culture of veterans. Secondary training objectives include professional development to increase the impact of manuscript submissions and presentations, develop persuasive grant writing skills, and conduct ethical and responsible research. The training aims will be accomplished through a combination of formal and informal coursework, directed readings and webinars, behavioral and social science research trainings related to CEnR, RCTs, PA interventions, veterans, and practical research experiences. The research objective is to develop and examine the feasibility and acceptability of a group-based PA intervention to reduce social isolation, loneliness, and blood pressure among an at-risk population going through a significant life transition, veterans reintegrating to civilian life. To achieve this objective, the proposed research aims include: 1) characterizing the needs related to PA, social isolation, loneliness, and social connectedness among veterans reintegrating to civilian life, 2) designing a group-based PA intervention supported by digital technologies using CEnR among this population, and 3) evaluating the feasibility and acceptability and preliminary health effects of the group-based PA intervention supported by digital technologies developed partly in Aim 2 among a sample of veterans reintegrating to civilian life. The environment at San Diego State University, along with my mentorship team, form a uniquely suited setting to expand my training and research skills in pursuit of my long-term career goal of becoming a successful independent investigator, conducting large-scale, community-based PA promotion RCTs.