1
|
Budhwani H, Outlaw AY, Oster RA, Mugavero MJ, Johnson MO, Hightow-Weidman LB, Naar S, Nash P, Turan JM. Community recommendations for promoting HIV testing to Black young men who have sex with men in the southern United States. Int J STD AIDS 2024:9564624241273759. [PMID: 39163879 DOI: 10.1177/09564624241273759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considering the need to increase HIV testing among racial minority youth in the southern United States, we conducted an exploratory study in Alabama to elucidate recommendations on improving testing rates among Black young men who have sex with men (BYMSM). METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews and focus groups with BYMSM and prevention and outreach workers. Data collection occurred online and in person between 2020-2022. RESULTS Our sample included data from n = 56 BYMSM and n = 12 prevention and outreach workers. BYMSMs' mean age = 24 years. Among prevention and outreach workers, 58% identified as male with mean age = 39 years; 83% identified as Black. Transcripts were coded thematically; five concurrent themes emerged from both BYMSM and prevention and outreach workers: promoting testing at younger ages, need for visibility and outreach, connecting through shared experiences, value of nonjudgmental approaches, and need to increase HIV knowledge in BYMSM. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that cultivating trust is salient to promoting HIV testing in BYMSM. To end the epidemic in the southern United States, a region that is heavily rural with high rates of HIV, it may be necessary to begin prevention conversations at younger ages and equip prevention and outreach workers with communication skills that leverage de-stigmatizing approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henna Budhwani
- College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | | | - Robert A Oster
- Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Michael J Mugavero
- Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Mallory O Johnson
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San, Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Sylvie Naar
- College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Princess Nash
- School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Janet M Turan
- School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li DH, Macapagal K, Mongrella M, Saber R, Mustanski B. "Your Package Could Not Be Delivered": The State of Digital HIV Intervention Implementation in the US. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2024; 21:152-167. [PMID: 38502421 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-024-00693-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Despite continuous innovations and federal investment to create digital interventions addressing the HIV prevention and care continua, these interventions have not reached people in the U.S. at scale. This article reviews what is known about U.S. implementation of digital HIV interventions and presents a strategy to cross the research-to-practice chasm for these types of interventions. RECENT FINDINGS We conducted a narrative review of U.S.-based original research on implementation of digital HIV interventions and identified few studies reporting on implementation determinants, strategies, processes, or outcomes, particularly outside the context of effectiveness trials. To supplement the literature, in 2023, we surveyed 47 investigators representing 64 unique interventions about their experiences with implementation after their research trials. Respondents placed high importance on intervention implementation, but major barriers included lack of funding and clear implementation models, technology costs, and difficulty identifying partners equipped to deliver digital interventions. They felt that responsibility for implementation should be shared between intervention developers, deliverers (e.g., clinics), and a government entity. If an implementation center were to exist, most respondents wanted to be available for guidance or technical assistance but largely wanted less involvement. Numerous evidence-based, effective digital interventions exist to address HIV prevention and care. However, they remain "on the shelf" absent a concrete and sustainable model for real-world dissemination and implementation. Based on our findings, we call for the creation of national implementation centers, analogous to those in other health systems, to facilitate digital HIV intervention delivery and accelerate progress toward ending the U.S. epidemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dennis H Li
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kathryn Macapagal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Melissa Mongrella
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rana Saber
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Brian Mustanski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Plant A, Sparks P, Creech DN, Morgan T, Klausner JD, Rietmeijer C, Montoya JA. Developing an mHealth program to improve HIV care continuum outcomes among young Black gay and bisexual men. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1247. [PMID: 38714973 PMCID: PMC11075214 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18652-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young Black gay and bisexual men (YBGBM) in the United States face significant disparities in HIV care outcomes. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have shown promise with improving outcomes for YBGBM across the HIV care continuum. METHODS We developed an mHealth application using human-centered design (HCD) from 2019-2021 in collaboration with YBGBM living with HIV and with HIV service providers. Our HCD process began with six focus groups with 50 YBGBM and interviews with 12 providers. These insights were used to inform rapid prototyping, which involved iterative testing and refining of program features and content, with 31 YBGBM and 12 providers. We then collected user feedback via an online survey with 200 YBGBM nationwide and usability testing of a functional prototype with 21 YBGBM. RESULTS Focus groups and interviews illuminated challenges faced by YBGBM living with HIV, including coping with an HIV diagnosis, stigma, need for social support, and a dearth of suitable information sources. YBGBM desired a holistic approach that could meet the needs of those newly diagnosed as well as those who have been living with HIV for many years. Program preferences included video-based content where users could learn from peers and experts, a range of topics, a community of people living with HIV, and tools to support their health and well-being. Providers expressed enthusiasm for an mHealth program to improve HIV care outcomes and help them serve clients. Rapid prototyping resulted in a list of content topics, resources, video characteristics, community features, and mHealth tools to support adherence, retention, goal setting, and laboratory results tracking, as well as tools to help organization staff to support clients. Online survey and usability testing confirmed the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of the content, tools, and features. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the potential of a video-based mHealth program to address the unique needs of YBGBM living with HIV, offering support and comprehensive information through a user-friendly interface and videos of peers living with HIV and of experts. The HCD approach allowed for continuous improvements to the concept to maximize cultural appropriateness, utility, and potential effectiveness for both YBGBM and HIV service organizations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Plant
- Sentient Research, 231 North Walnuthaven Drive, West Covina, CA, 91790, USA.
| | - Paul Sparks
- Sentient Research, 231 North Walnuthaven Drive, West Covina, CA, 91790, USA
| | | | - Ta'Jalik Morgan
- Sentient Research, 231 North Walnuthaven Drive, West Covina, CA, 91790, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1975 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | | | - Jorge A Montoya
- Sentient Research, 231 North Walnuthaven Drive, West Covina, CA, 91790, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Skeen SJ, Tokarz S, Gasik RE, Solano CM, Smith EA, Sagoe MB, Hudson LV, Steele K, Theall KP, Clum GA. A Trauma-Informed, Geospatially Aware, Just-in-Time Adaptive mHealth Intervention to Support Effective Coping Skills Among People Living With HIV in New Orleans: Development and Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e47151. [PMID: 37874637 PMCID: PMC10630874 DOI: 10.2196/47151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2020, Greater New Orleans, Louisiana, was home to 7048 people living with HIV-1083 per 100,000 residents, 2.85 times the US national rate. With Louisiana routinely ranked last in indexes of health equity, violent crime rates in Orleans Parish quintupling national averages, and in-care New Orleans people living with HIV surviving twice the US average of adverse childhood experiences, accessible, trauma-focused, evidence-based interventions (EBIs) for violence-affected people living with HIV are urgently needed. OBJECTIVE To meet this need, we adapted Living in the Face of Trauma, a well-established EBI tailored for people living with HIV, into NOLA GEM, a just-in-time adaptive mobile health (mHealth) intervention. This study aimed to culturally tailor and refine the NOLA GEM app and assess its acceptability; feasibility; and preliminary efficacy on care engagement, medication adherence, viral suppression, and mental well-being among in-care people living with HIV in Greater New Orleans. METHODS The development of NOLA GEM entailed identifying real-time tailoring variables via a geographic ecological momentary assessment (GEMA) study (n=49; aim 1) and place-based and user-centered tailoring, responsive to the unique cultural contexts of HIV survivorship in New Orleans, via formative interviews (n=12; aim 2). The iOS- and Android-enabled NOLA GEM app leverages twice-daily GEMA prompts to offer just-in-time, in-app recommendations for effective coping skills practice and app-delivered Living in the Face of Trauma session content. For aim 3, the pilot trial will enroll an analytic sample of 60 New Orleans people living with HIV individually randomized to parallel NOLA GEM (intervention) or GEMA-alone (control) arms at a 1:1 allocation for a 21-day period. Acceptability and feasibility will be assessed via enrollment, attrition, active daily use through paradata metrics, and prevalidated usability measures. At the postassessment time point, primary end points will be assessed via a range of well-validated, domain-specific scales. Care engagement and viral suppression will be assessed via past missed appointments and self-reported viral load at 30 and 90 days, respectively, and through well-demonstrated adherence self-efficacy measures. RESULTS Aims 1 and 2 have been achieved, NOLA GEM is in Beta, and all aim-3 methods have been reviewed and approved by the institutional review board of Tulane University. Recruitment was launched in July 2023, with a target date for follow-up assessment completion in December 2023. CONCLUSIONS By leveraging user-centered development and embracing principles that elevate the lived expertise of New Orleans people living with HIV, mHealth-adapted EBIs can reflect community wisdom on posttraumatic resilience. Sustainable adoption of the NOLA GEM app and a promising early efficacy profile will support the feasibility of a future fully powered clinical trial and potential translation to new underserved settings in service of holistic survivorship and well-being of people living with HIV. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05784714; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05784714. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/47151.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone J Skeen
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Center for Community-Engaged Artificial Intelligence, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Stephanie Tokarz
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Rayna E Gasik
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Chelsea McGettigan Solano
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Ethan A Smith
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Momi Binaifer Sagoe
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Lauryn V Hudson
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Kara Steele
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Katherine P Theall
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Gretchen A Clum
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jiancaro T, Bayoumi AM, Ibáñez-Carrasco F, Torres B, McDuff K, Brown DA, Chan Carusone S, Tang A, Loutfy M, Cobbing S, O’Brien KK. Factors influencing initial implementation of an online community-based exercise intervention with adults living with HIV: a systems approach. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2023; 4:1176960. [PMID: 37546578 PMCID: PMC10399961 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2023.1176960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Online community-based exercise (CBE) is a digital health intervention and rehabilitation strategy that promotes health among people living with HIV. Our aim was to describe the factors influencing initial implementation of a pilot online CBE intervention with adults living with HIV using a systems approach, as recommended by implementation science specialists. Methods We piloted the implementation of a 6-month online CBE intervention and 6-month independent exercise follow up, in partnership with the YMCA in Toronto, Canada. We recruited adults living with HIV who identified themselves as safe to engage in exercise. The intervention phase included personalized exercise sessions online with a personal trainer; exercise equipment; access to online exercise classes; and a wireless physical activity monitor. Two researchers documented implementation factors articulated by participants and the implementation team during early implementation, defined as recruitment, screening, equipment distribution, technology orientation, and baseline assessments. Data sources included communication with participants; daily team communication; weekly team discussions; and in-person meetings. We documented implementation factors in meeting minutes, recruitment screening notes, and email communication; and analyzed the data using a qualitative descriptive approach using a systems engineering method called Cognitive Work Analysis. Results Thirty-three adults living with HIV enrolled in the study (n = 33; median age: 52 years; cis-men: 22, cis-women: 10, non-binary: 1). Fifty-five factors influencing implementation, spanned five layers: (i) Natural, including weather and the COVID-19 virus; (ii) Societal, including COVID-19 impacts (e.g. public transit health risks impacting equipment pick-ups); (iii) Organizational, including information dissemination (e.g. tech support) and logistics (e.g. scheduling); (iv) Personal, including physical setting (e.g. space) and digital setting (e.g. device access); and (v) Human, including health (e.g. episodic illness) and disposition (e.g. motivation). The implementation team experienced heightened needs to respond rapidly; sustain engagement; and provide training and support. Additional organizational factors included a committed fitness training and research team with skills spanning administration and logistics, participant engagement, technology training, physical therapy, and research ethics. Conclusion Fifty-five factors spanning multiple layers illustrate the complexities of online CBE with adults living with HIV. Initial implementation required a dedicated, rehabilitation-centred, multi-skilled, multi-stakeholder team to address a diverse set of factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T. Jiancaro
- Department of Physical Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - A. M. Bayoumi
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (IHPME), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- MAP Centre, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - F. Ibáñez-Carrasco
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - B. Torres
- Department of Physical Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - K. McDuff
- Department of Physical Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - D. A. Brown
- Therapies Department, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - S. Chan Carusone
- McMasterCollaborative Centre for Health and Aging, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - A. Tang
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - M. Loutfy
- Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Maple Leaf Medical Clinic, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - S. Cobbing
- Department of Physical Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Institute of Education Research, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - K. K. O’Brien
- Department of Physical Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (IHPME), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute (RSI), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wu E, Lee YG, Vinogradov V, Kali S, Yelkeyev A, Goddard-Eckrich DA, Dasgupta A, Hess L. Intervention Adaptation and Implementation Method for Real-World Constraints and Using New Technologies. RESEARCH ON SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE 2023; 33:562-570. [PMID: 37575669 PMCID: PMC10419326 DOI: 10.1177/10497315221120605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Rigorous adaptation methods are needed to revise existing evidence-based behavioral interventions for implementation for new target populations, revised/updated outcomes, new delivery modalities, recent advances, and new technologies. We describe an adaptation method designed to overcome the real-world challenges of having very limited existing expertise, resources, and time. Method This adaptation method and accompanying visualization tool ("Deconstruction/Reconstruction Matrix") preserves theoretical mechanisms of behavior change, accounts for challenges in utilizing new technologies, and strengthens clinical processes, with an emphasis on safety. Results The adaptation of an in-person HIV behavioral intervention for sexual and gender diverse men in Kazakhstan to one delivered remotely via telecommunication and social media technologies exemplifies the process and strengths of the method, concomitantly resulting in recommendations for adaptation and implementation of mobile health (mHealth) and digital health interventions. Discussion This method allows researchers and clinicians to adapt interventions rapidly and rigorously and to benefit from new technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elwin Wu
- Social Intervention Group, Columbia School of Social Work, New York, NY, USA
- Global Health Research Center of Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Yong Gun Lee
- Social Intervention Group, Columbia School of Social Work, New York, NY, USA
- Global Health Research Center of Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Sultana Kali
- Global Health Research Center of Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Aidar Yelkeyev
- Global Health Research Center of Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Anindita Dasgupta
- Social Intervention Group, Columbia School of Social Work, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leona Hess
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Clement ME, Lovett A, Caldwell S, Beckford J, Hilgart M, Corneli A, Flickinger T, Dillingham R, Ingersoll K. Development of an mHealth App to Support the Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men Engaged in Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Care in New Orleans, Louisiana: Qualitative User-Centered Design Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e43019. [PMID: 36848209 PMCID: PMC10011974 DOI: 10.2196/43019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual health disparities exist for Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in New Orleans, Louisiana. Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are high for both BMSM and those taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). OBJECTIVE In this study, we introduced an existing PrEP adherence app to new potential users-BMSM engaged in PrEP care in New Orleans-to guide app adaptation with STI prevention features and tailoring for the local context. METHODS Using a user-centered design, we conducted 4 focus group discussions (FGDs), with interim app adaptations from December 2020 to March 2021. During the FGDs, a video of the app, app website, and mock-ups were shown to participants. We asked about facilitators of and barriers to STI prevention in general, current app use, impressions of the existing app, new app features to potentially facilitate STI prevention, and how the app should be tailored for BMSM. We used applied qualitative thematic analysis to identify themes and needs of the population. RESULTS Overall, 4 FGDs were conducted with 24 BMSM taking PrEP. We grouped themes into 4 categories: STI prevention, current app use and preferences, preexisting features and impressions of the prep'd app, and new features and modifications for BMSM. Participants noted concern about STIs and shared that anxiety about some STIs was higher than that for others; some participants shared that since the emergence of PrEP, little thought is given to STIs. However, participants desired STI prevention strategies and suggested prevention methods to implement through the app, including access to resources, educational content, and sex diaries to follow their sexual activity. When discussing app preferences, they emphasized the need for an app to offer relevant features and be easy to use and expressed that some notifications were important to keep users engaged but that they should be limited to avoid notification fatigue. Participants thought that the current app was useful and generally liked the existing features, including the ability to communicate with providers, staff, and each other through the community forum. They had suggestions for modifications for STI prevention, such as the ability to comment on sexual encounters, and for tailoring to the local context, such as depictions of iconic sights from the area. Mental health emerged as an important need to be addressed through the app during discussion of almost all features. Participants also stressed the importance of ensuring privacy and reducing stigma through the app. CONCLUSIONS A PrEP adherence app was iteratively adapted with feedback from BMSM, resulting in a new app modified for the New Orleans context and with STI prevention features. Participants gave the app a new name, PCheck, to be more discreet. Next steps will assess PCheck use and STI prevention outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Edwards Clement
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center- New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Aish Lovett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center- New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Sylvia Caldwell
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia Health, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Jeremy Beckford
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Michelle Hilgart
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia Health, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Amy Corneli
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Tabor Flickinger
- Division of General, Geriatric, Palliative, and Hospital Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Rebecca Dillingham
- Division of Infectious Disease and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Karen Ingersoll
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia Health, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Budhwani H, Maragh-Bass AC, Tolley EE, Comello MLG, Stoner MCD, Adams Larsen M, Brambilla D, Muessig KE, Pettifor A, Bond CL, Toval C, Hightow-Weidman LB. Tough Talks COVID-19 Digital Health Intervention for Vaccine Hesitancy Among Black Young Adults: Protocol for a Hybrid Type 1 Effectiveness Implementation Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e41240. [PMID: 36689557 PMCID: PMC9930921 DOI: 10.2196/41240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interventions for increasing the uptake of COVID-19 vaccination among Black young adults are central to ending the pandemic. Black young adults experience harms from structural forces, such as racism and stigma, that reduce receptivity to traditional public health messaging due to skepticism and distrust. As such, Black young adults continue to represent a priority population on which to focus efforts for promoting COVID-19 vaccine uptake. OBJECTIVE In aims 1 and 2, the Tough Talks digital health intervention for HIV disclosure will be adapted to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and tailored to the experiences of Black young adults in the southern United States (Tough Talks for COVID-19). In aim 3, the newly adapted Tough Talks for COVID-19 digital health intervention will be tested across the following three southern states: Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina. METHODS Our innovative digital health intervention study will include qualitative and quantitative assessments. A unique combination of methodological techniques, including web-based surveys, choose-your-own-adventures, digital storytelling, user acceptability testing, and community-based participatory approaches, will culminate in a 2-arm hybrid type 1 effectiveness implementation randomized controlled trial, wherein participants will be randomized to the Tough Talks for COVID-19 intervention arm or a standard-of-care control condition (N=360). Logistic regression will be used to determine the effect of the treatment arm on the probability of vaccination uptake (primary COVID-19 vaccine series or recommended boosters). Concurrently, the inner and outer contexts of implementation will be ascertained and catalogued to inform future scale-up. Florida State University's institutional review board approved the study (STUDY00003617). RESULTS Our study was funded at the end of April 2021. Aim 1 data collection concluded in early 2022. The entire study is expected to conclude in January 2025. CONCLUSIONS If effective, our digital health intervention will be poised for broad, rapid dissemination to reduce COVID-19 mortality among unvaccinated Black young adults in the southern United States. Our findings will have the potential to inform efforts that seek to address medical mistrust through participatory approaches. The lessons learned from the conduct of our study could be instrumental in improving health care engagement among Black young adults for several critical areas that disproportionately harm this community, such as tobacco control and diabetes prevention. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05490329; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05490329. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/41240.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henna Budhwani
- Intervention Research and Implementation Science Lab, College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Allysha C Maragh-Bass
- Behavioral, Epidemiological, Clinical Sciences Division, FHI360, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Elizabeth E Tolley
- Behavioral, Epidemiological, Clinical Sciences Division, FHI360, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Maria Leonora G Comello
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | | | | | | - Kathryn E Muessig
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Audrey Pettifor
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, NC, United States
| | - Christyenne L Bond
- Intervention Research and Implementation Science Lab, College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Christina Toval
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, NC, United States
| | - Lisa B Hightow-Weidman
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Leung T, Kiszla BM, Outlaw AY, Oster RA, Mugavero MJ, Johnson MO, Hightow-Weidman LB, Naar S, Turan JM. Adapting a Motivational Interviewing Intervention to Improve HIV Prevention Among Young, Black, Sexual Minority Men in Alabama: Protocol for the Development of the Kings Digital Health Intervention. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e36655. [PMID: 35830245 PMCID: PMC9330190 DOI: 10.2196/36655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND African American or Black young men who have sex with men (BYMSM) are at a disproportionate risk for contracting HIV and have high rates of undiagnosed, and therefore untreated, HIV infection. In the southern United States, BYMSM face region-specific hurdles to HIV prevention, such as limited access to care and high levels of racism and intersectional stigma, necessitating HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis interventions that address sociocultural and structural barriers while motivating BYMSM to engage in prevention. Brothers Saving Brothers (BSB) is a motivational interviewing behavioral intervention that successfully and simultaneously increased community-based HIV testing and prevention counseling and education among BYMSM in the midwestern United States. OBJECTIVE The aim of this protocol is to detail the process for the adaption of the BSB intervention for midwestern BYMSM to the Kings intervention for southern BYMSM. During the adaptation process, the intervention will be modernized to include rapid HIV testing, as opposed to HIV testing that requires BYMSM to return for test results, pre-exposure prophylaxis, and the provision of structural supports, and for relevance in the southern United States. METHODS Aim 1 is to gather qualitative data through focus groups and in-depth interviews with BYMSM aged 18 to 29 years in Alabama and in-depth interviews with prevention and outreach workers who routinely work with BYMSM in Alabama. NVivo qualitative software (QSR International) will be used for the coding and analysis of the transcripts via a thematic analysis approach. For aim 2, intervention mapping will guide the adaptation process, intervention content, components, and design. Both aims 1 and 2 will leverage the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment implementation science framework, with emphasis on the exploration and preparation phases of this model. By applying these frameworks, the original midwestern BSB intervention will be scientifically adapted to the southern BYMSM Kings intervention. RESULTS This study is ongoing as of 2022 and is expected to conclude in 2024, with aims 1 and 2 being completed in 2023. Qualitative data will offer insight into the current real-world experiences and preferences of BYMSM in Alabama. Feedback will be collected through the adaptation process to inform intervention refinement. Institutional review board approvals have been received. CONCLUSIONS The findings will inform next steps, that is, testing the Kings intervention for feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness in a pilot hybrid type 1 effective-implementation randomized controlled trial. The study results will provide insights about important considerations for HIV prevention among BYMSM in the southern United States. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03680729; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03680729. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/36655.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - B Matthew Kiszla
- School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | | | - Robert A Oster
- School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Michael J Mugavero
- School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Mallory O Johnson
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | - Sylvie Naar
- College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Janet M Turan
- Department of Health Policy and Organization, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Budhwani H, Enah C, Bond CL, Halle-Ekane G, Wallace E, Turan JM, Szychowski JM, Long DM, Carlo WA, Tih PM, Tita ATN. mHealth Phone Intervention to Reduce Maternal Deaths and Morbidity in Cameroon: Protocol for Translational Adaptation. Int J Womens Health 2022; 14:677-686. [PMID: 35572348 PMCID: PMC9093609 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s353919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this NIH-funded protocol is to adapt (Aim 1) and pilot test (Aim 2) an mHealth intervention to improve maternal and child health in Cameroon. We will adapt the 24/7 University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Information Service via Telephone (MIST) provider support system to mMIST (mobile MIST) for peripheral providers who provide healthcare to pregnant and postpartum women and newborns in Cameroon. Methods In Aim 1, we apply qualitative and participatory methods (in-depth interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders) to inform the adaptation of mMIST for use in Cameroon. We use the sequential phases of the ADAPT-ITT framework to iteratively adapt mMIST incorporating qualitative findings and tailoring for local contexts. In Aim 2, we test the adapted intervention for feasibility and acceptability in Ndop, Cameroon. Results This study is ongoing at the time that this protocol is published. Conclusion The adaptation, refinement, and pilot testing of mMIST will be used to inform a larger-scale stepped wedged cluster randomized controlled effectiveness trial. If successful, this mHealth intervention could be a powerful tool enabling providers in low-resource settings to deliver improved pregnancy care, thereby reducing maternal and fetal deaths.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henna Budhwani
- Department of Health Policy and Organization, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA,Center for Women’s Reproductive Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA,Correspondence: Henna Budhwani, Department of Health Policy and Organization, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 330C Ryals Public Health Building, 1720 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA, Tel +1 205 975 7613, Fax +1 205 975 7685, Email
| | - Comfort Enah
- School of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Christyenne L Bond
- Department of Health Policy and Organization, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Gregory Halle-Ekane
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Eric Wallace
- Depatrment of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Janet M Turan
- Department of Health Policy and Organization, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA,Center for Women’s Reproductive Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA,School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Jeff M Szychowski
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Dustin M Long
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Waldemar A Carlo
- Depatrment of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Pius M Tih
- Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Bamenda, North West Region, Cameroon
| | - Alan T N Tita
- Center for Women’s Reproductive Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA,Depatrment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| |
Collapse
|