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Weeden T, Garofalo R, Johnson AK, Schnall R, Cervantes M, Scherr T, Kuhns LM. Assessing Preferences for Long-Acting Injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Young Adult Sexual Minority Men and Transgender Women. Acad Pediatr 2024:S1876-2859(24)00148-7. [PMID: 38631476 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2024.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in preventing HIV transmission. However, oral PrEP uptake is low, particularly among sexual and gender minority youth who are vulnerable to HIV infection. Alternative methods of PrEP delivery, such as long-acting injectable (LAI) PrEP may overcome barriers and be preferred. However, attitudes and preferences of younger sexual and gender minorities towards LAI PrEP have not been well studied. The purpose of this study is to describe preferences for initiating LAI PrEP among sexual and gender minority youth. METHODS We analyzed data collected as part of an HIV prevention randomized trial from January 2022 to February 2023, using multiple regression to identify factors associated with a preference for LAI PrEP. RESULTS The study sample (N = 265) was 50% youth of color, mean age 25 years (SD=3.4, range=18-31), and primarily identified as gay (71%) and male (91%). Forty two percent had heard of LAI PrEP and 31% preferred LAI PrEP over other prevention methods. In multiple regression analysis, LAI PrEP preference was associated with identifying as White, previous PrEP experience, and perceived LAI PrEP efficacy. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that gaps in awareness exist for LAI PrEP, however it may be preferred over other prevention methods especially in White youth, those with PrEP experience and higher perceptions of its efficacy. More education and outreach are needed to prevent extension of existing race and ethnicity disparities in use of oral daily PrEP to LAI PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terrance Weeden
- Northwestern University (T Weeden, R Garofalo, AK Johnson, and LM Kuhns), Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (T Weeden, R Garofalo, AK Johnson, M Cervantes, and LM Kuhns), Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Chicago, Ill
| | - Robert Garofalo
- Northwestern University (T Weeden, R Garofalo, AK Johnson, and LM Kuhns), Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (T Weeden, R Garofalo, AK Johnson, M Cervantes, and LM Kuhns), Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Chicago, Ill
| | - Amy K Johnson
- Northwestern University (T Weeden, R Garofalo, AK Johnson, and LM Kuhns), Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (T Weeden, R Garofalo, AK Johnson, M Cervantes, and LM Kuhns), Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Chicago, Ill
| | - Rebecca Schnall
- School of Nursing (R Schnall), Columbia University, New York City, NY
| | - Marbella Cervantes
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (T Weeden, R Garofalo, AK Johnson, M Cervantes, and LM Kuhns), Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Chicago, Ill
| | - Thomas Scherr
- Department of Chemistry (T Scherr), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn
| | - Lisa M Kuhns
- Northwestern University (T Weeden, R Garofalo, AK Johnson, and LM Kuhns), Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (T Weeden, R Garofalo, AK Johnson, M Cervantes, and LM Kuhns), Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Chicago, Ill.
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Liu P, Wang L, Wang F. Evaluation of Chinese HIV Mobile Apps by Researchers and Patients With HIV: Quality Evaluation Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2024; 12:e52573. [PMID: 38277215 PMCID: PMC10858422 DOI: 10.2196/52573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Against the backdrop of globalization, China remains one of the most heavily burdened countries in Asia with regard to AIDS. However, many high-risk groups and patients affected by AIDS may be less likely to actively seek care from medical institutions because of fear of experiencing shame or discrimination. Mobile apps provide a promising avenue for supporting the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of AIDS. However, a comprehensive systematic evaluation of these mobile apps' functionality and quality has not been conducted yet. OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify the available mobile apps for AIDS in China, assess and discuss the functional features and quality of these Chinese AIDS mobile apps, and offer decision support for patients and clinical practitioners in accessing high-quality AIDS mobile apps. Furthermore, based on the evaluation results, recommendations for improvement will be provided. METHODS A systematic search was conducted on the Qimai app data platform, the Aladdin WeChat applet data platform, and WeChat to identify mobile apps related to AIDS. A snowball sampling method was used to supplement the potentially overlooked apps. The selected mobile apps underwent a rigorous screening process based on unified criteria. Subsequently, assessments were independently undertaken by 3 separate researchers and 2 patients with HIV, using both the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) and the User Mobile App Rating Scale (uMARS). Quantitative interpretations of the data were facilitated by the MedCalc statistical software (version 20.217, MedCalc Software). RESULTS A total of 2901 AIDS mobile apps were included in the study, with 2897 identified through information retrieval and an additional 4 added via snowball sampling. After a rigorous selection process, 21 apps were determined to be usable. Among them, the Hong Feng Wan app achieved the highest combined average score, calculated based on the MARS (3.96, SD 0.33) and uMARS (4.47, SD 0.26). Overall, there was no significant correlation between MARS and uMARS (rapp quality total score=0.41; P=.07; rsubjective quality=0.39; P=.08). A notable issue was the widespread lack of user privacy protection, with only 24% (5/21) of the apps offering this feature. CONCLUSIONS The number of available Chinese AIDS mobile apps is limited, with WeChat applets dominating the market. Nonetheless, the performance of WeChat mini-apps is generally inferior to that of independent apps, and there may be significant discrepancies between assessments conducted by researchers and those provided by genuine end users, emphasizing the necessity of involving real users in the development and evaluation of HIV mobile apps. In addition, developers of these Chinese HIV mobile apps need to devote attention to improving privacy protection mechanisms, in addition to considering the evaluations of researchers and real users. This will help attract more users and increase user loyalty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- School of Health Management, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Innovation Team of Health Information Management and Application Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Lingmeng Wang
- School of Health Management, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Fuzhi Wang
- School of Health Management, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Innovation Team of Health Information Management and Application Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
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Rivera-Romero O, Gabarron E, Ropero J, Denecke K. Designing personalised mHealth solutions: An overview. J Biomed Inform 2023; 146:104500. [PMID: 37722446 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbi.2023.104500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mobile health, or mHealth, is based on mobile information and communication technologies and provides solutions for empowering individuals to participate in healthcare. Personalisation techniques have been used to increase user engagement and adherence to interventions delivered as mHealth solutions. This study aims to explore the current state of personalisation in mHealth, including its current trends and implementation. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a review following PRISMA guidelines. Four databases (PubMed, ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, and APA PsycInfo) were searched for studies on mHealth solutions that integrate personalisation. The retrieved papers were assessed for eligibility and useful information regarding integrated personalisation techniques. RESULTS Out of the 1,139 retrieved studies, 62 were included in the narrative synthesis. Research interest in the personalisation of mHealth solutions has increased since 2020. mHealth solutions were mainly applied to endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases; mental, behavioural, or neurodevelopmental diseases; or the promotion of healthy lifestyle behaviours. Its main purposes are to support disease self-management and promote healthy lifestyle behaviours. Mobile applications are the most prevalent technological solution. Although several design models, such as user-centred and patient-centred designs, were used, no specific frameworks or models for personalisation were followed. These solutions rely on behaviour change theories, use gamification or motivational messages, and personalise the content rather than functionality. A broad range of data is used for personalisation purposes. There is a lack of studies assessing the efficacy of these solutions; therefore, further evidence is needed. DISCUSSION Personalisation in mHealth has not been well researched. Although several techniques have been integrated, the effects of using a combination of personalisation techniques remain unclear. Although personalisation is considered a persuasive strategy, many mHealth solutions do not employ it. CONCLUSIONS Open research questions concern guidelines for successful personalisation techniques in mHealth, design frameworks, and comprehensive studies on the effects and interactions among multiple personalisation techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Octavio Rivera-Romero
- Electronic Technology Department, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain; Instituto de Investigación en Informática de la Universidad de Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Elia Gabarron
- Norwegian Centre for E-health Research, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Department of Education, ICT and Learning, Østfold University College, Halden, Norway
| | - Jorge Ropero
- Electronic Technology Department, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain
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Schnall R, Liu J, Kuhns LM, Pearson C, Scott Batey D, Bruce J, Radix A, Belkind U, Hidalgo MA, Hirshfield S, Ganzhorn S, Garofalo R. A feasibility study of the use of HIV self-tests in young men who have sex with men. AIDS Care 2023; 35:1279-1284. [PMID: 36608217 PMCID: PMC11177622 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2022.2160864] [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] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Studies on HIV self-testing (HIV-ST) have been limited to adults (age 18+). The study assessed use of HIV-ST among a diverse group of young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in the United States (US) and assessed differences in uptake by demographic characteristics and requirements for parental consent. This study demonstrated feasibility of HIV-ST for YMSM as young as 14 years of age, which suggests potential for increasing HIV testing in this young age group and promoting health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Schnall
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jianfang Liu
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lisa M Kuhns
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Cynthia Pearson
- Indigenous Wellness Research Institute, School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - D Scott Batey
- School of Social Work, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Josh Bruce
- Birmingham AIDS Outreach, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Asa Radix
- Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Uri Belkind
- Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marco A Hidalgo
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, Medicine Pediatrics Section, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sabina Hirshfield
- STAR Program, Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Ganzhorn
- School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert Garofalo
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Sanabria G, Greene KY, Tran JT, Gilyard S, DiGiovanni L, Emmanuel PJ, Sanders LJ, Kosyluk K, Galea JT. "A Great Way to Start the Conversation": Evidence for the Use of an Adolescent Mental Health Chatbot Navigator for Youth at Risk of HIV and Other STIs. JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY IN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37362063 PMCID: PMC10172071 DOI: 10.1007/s41347-023-00315-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Chatbot use is increasing for mobile health interventions on sensitive and stigmatized topics like mental health because of their anonymity and privacy. This anonymity provides acceptability to sexual and gendered minority youth (ages 16-24) at increased risk of HIV and other STIs with poor mental health due to higher levels of stigma, discrimination, and social isolation. This study evaluates the usability of Tabatha-YYC, a pilot chatbot navigator created to link these youth to mental health resources. Tabatha-YYC was developed using a Youth Advisory Board (n = 7). The final design underwent user testing (n = 20) through a think-aloud protocol, semi-structured interview, and a brief survey post-exposure which included the Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale. The chatbot was found to be an acceptable mental health navigator by participants. This study provides important design methodology considerations and key insights into chatbot design preferences of youth at risk of STIs seeking mental health resources.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karah Y. Greene
- College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, School of Social Work, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL USA
| | - Jennifer T. Tran
- College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL USA
- School of Nursing, Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Shelton Gilyard
- College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, School of Social Work, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL USA
| | - Lauren DiGiovanni
- Department of Pediatrics, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL USA
| | - Patricia J. Emmanuel
- Department of Pediatrics, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL USA
| | - Lisa J. Sanders
- Department of Pediatrics, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL USA
| | - Kristin Kosyluk
- College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL USA
| | - Jerome T. Galea
- College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, School of Social Work, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL USA
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
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Shrestha R, Maviglia F, Altice FL, DiDomizio E, Khati A, Mistler C, Azwa I, Kamarulzaman A, Halim MAA, Wickersham JA. Mobile Health Technology Use and the Acceptability of an mHealth Platform for HIV Prevention Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Malaysia: Cross-sectional Respondent-Driven Sampling Survey. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e36917. [PMID: 35877172 PMCID: PMC9361153 DOI: 10.2196/36917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The growth in mobile technology access, utilization, and services holds great promise in facilitating HIV prevention efforts through mobile health (mHealth) interventions in Malaysia. Despite these promising trends, there is a dearth of evidence on the use of mHealth platforms that addresses HIV prevention among Malaysian men who have sex with men. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to gain insight into (1) access and utilization of communication technology (eg, landline phone, internet, mobile phone), (2) acceptability of mHealth-based interventions for HIV prevention services, and (3) preferences regarding the format and frequency of mHealth interventions among Malaysian men who have sex with men. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey with Malaysian men who have sex with men between July 2018 and March 2020. Participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling in the Greater Kuala Lumpur region of Malaysia. We collected information on demographic characteristics, HIV risk-related behaviors, access to and the frequency of use of communication technology, and acceptability of using mHealth for HIV prevention using a self-administered questionnaire with a 5-point scale (1, never; 2, rarely; 3, sometimes; 4, often; 5, all the time). RESULTS A total of 376 men participated in the survey. Almost all respondents owned or had access to a smartphone with internet access (368/376, 97.9%) and accessed the internet daily (373/376, 99.2%), mainly on a smartphone (334/376, 88.8%). Participants on average used smartphones primarily for social networking (mean 4.5, SD 0.8), followed by sending or receiving emails (mean 4.0, SD 1.0), and searching for health-related information (mean 3.5, SD 0.9). There was high acceptance of the use of mHealth for HIV prevention (mean 4.1, SD 1.5), including for receiving HIV prevention information (345/376, 91.8%), receiving medication reminders (336/376, 89.4%), screening and monitoring sexual activity (306/376, 81.4%) or illicit drug use (281/376, 74.7%), and monitoring drug cravings (280/376, 74.5%). Participants overwhelmingly preferred a smartphone app over other modalities (eg, text, phone call, email) for engaging in mHealth HIV prevention tools. Preference for app notifications ranged from 186/336 (53.9%), for receiving HIV prevention information, to 212/336 (69.3%), for screening and monitoring sexual activity. Acceptance of mHealth was higher for those who were university graduates (P=.003), living in a relationship with a partner (P=.04), engaged in sexualized drug use (P=.01), and engaged in receptive anal sex (P=.006). CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study provide support for developing and deploying mHealth strategies for HIV prevention using a smartphone app in men who have sex with men-a key population with suboptimal engagement in HIV prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Shrestha
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Francesca Maviglia
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Elizabeth DiDomizio
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Antoine Khati
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Colleen Mistler
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Iskandar Azwa
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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