Harnessing the Power of Social Connection to Improve the Quality of Life of Older Adults with Multimorbidity - The long-term goal of this K23 Career Development Award is to prepare the principal investigator (PI), Mayra Sánchez González, PhD, for an independent research career focused on implementing interventions that improve the quality of life of older adults with multimorbidity. Multimorbidity – the presence of two or more concurrent chronic conditions – is increasingly prevalent among older Hispanics and is linked to a diminished quality of life. Although multimorbidity disproportionately affects those in low socioeconomic groups (vs. higher income groups), evidence indicates that these populations often derive less benefit from existing interventions. Social connection is crucial to an individual’s ability to manage chronic conditions effectively. However, the impact of social connection as a barrier to self-management has not been thoroughly explored. Hispanics are particularly vulnerable to social disconnection due to communication gaps and the loss of support networks associated with relocation, which can hinder their ability to manage multimorbidity effectively. This risk may be exacerbated for Hispanics aging in communities lacking adequate infrastructure and workforce resources to meet their needs. To address these challenges, this K23 aims to: 1) identify social connection factors associated with the optimal management of multimorbidity among older Hispanics; 2) modify PMSB for older Hispanics (50+) with multimorbidity; 3) evaluate the modified intervention’s implementation determinants and outcomes (primary outcomes) and preliminary efficacy in improving quality of life (exploratory efficacy outcome) via a Pilot RCT of Healthier Together vs control in 60 older Hispanics (50+) with multimorbidity. We will use a community-engaged approach guided by a community advisory board (CAB) integrated by individuals with lived experience, health navigators, and clinicians. We will conduct in-depth interviews with 30 Hispanics (50+) with multimorbidity. In collaboration with the CAB, we will modify Positive Minds-Strong Bodies to create Healthier Together, integrating social connection as an intervention component and addressing the needs of individuals with multimorbidity. Finally, we will evaluate Healthier Together in a pilot RCT. The PI has assembled an exemplary team of experts in aging, social connection, implementation science, community-engaged research, and qualitative methodology. Through mentorship, didactic experiences, and professional development, the PI aims to achieve the following career goals: (1) develop expertise in implementation science with a focus on aging research; (2) gain proficiency in community-engaged research with older adults; (3) acquire expertise in qualitative research methodologies to inform intervention modifications; and (4) learn to design, implement, and analyze randomized clinical trials. Completing this K23 proposal will provide the training and preliminary data for the PI to secure independent funding and advance a research program to improve outcomes for older adults with multimorbidity.
