Mobile apps for HIV prevention: how do they contribute to our epidemic response for adolescents and young adults?

A Web-Based Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Intervention (Thrive With Me) in a Community-Recruited Sample of Sexual Minority Men Living With HIV: Results of a Randomized Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

Most new HIV infections are attributed to male-to-male sexual contact in the United States. However, only two-thirds of sexual minority men living with HIV achieve an undetectable viral load (UVL). We tested a web-based antiretroviral therapy adherence intervention called Thrive with Me (TWM) with core features that included medication self-monitoring and feedback, HIV and antiretroviral therapy information, and a peer-to-peer exchange.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the efficacy of TWM on HIV UVL among adult (aged ≥18 years) sexual minority men. Moreover, we assessed the impact of overall engagement and engagement with specific intervention features on HIV UVL.

METHODS

In total, 401 sexual minority men (mean age 39.1, SD 10.8 y; 230/384, 59.9% African American) in New York City were recruited between October 2016 and December 2019 and randomized to receive TWM (intervention) or a weekly email newsletter (control) for 5 months. Computerized assessments occurred at baseline and months 5, 11, and 17. The primary outcome was a dichotomous measure of HIV UVL (≤20 copies/μL). Generalized estimating equations with robust SEs were used to assess the effect of the TWM intervention on HIV UVL over the follow-up period in an unadjusted model and a model adjusted for baseline differences and then stratified by baseline recent drug use urinalysis. In secondary analyses, generalized linear models were used to estimate risk differences in the association of overall engagement with TWM (the sum of the number of days participants accessed ≥1 screen of the TWM intervention out of a possible 150 days) and engagement with specific TWM components on HIV UVL throughout the 17-month intervention period.

RESULTS

Participant retention was 88.5% (355/401; month 5), 81.8% (328/401; month 11), and 80.3% (322/401; month 17). No consistent differences in HIV UVL were found between those randomized to receive TWM or the control at the 5- (difference-in-differences [DD]=-7.8, 95% CI -21.1 to 5.5), 11- (DD=-13.9, 95% CI -27.7 to 0.04), or 17-month (DD=-8.2, 95% CI -22.0 to 5.7) time points, or when stratified by baseline recent drug use. However, those TWM-assigned participants with high overall levels of engagement (in the upper 25th percentile) were more likely to have an HIV UVL at the end of the 5-month active intervention period compared to those with low engagement (below the 75th percentile; risk difference=17.8, 95% CI 2.5-33.0) or no engagement (risk difference=19.4, 95% CI 3.3-35.5) in the intervention. Moreover, high engagement with the peer-to-peer exchange was associated with HIV UVL over time in unadjusted models.

CONCLUSIONS

TWM did not have overall impacts on HIV UVL; however, it may assist some sexual minority men who are highly engaged with this web-based intervention in achieving HIV viral suppression.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02704208; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02704208.

Development of a home-based pre-exposure prophylaxis care delivery system for long-acting injectable cabotegravir: a formative exploration of patient preferences

Cabotegravir (CAB-LA), the only Food and Drug Administration-approved injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), is effective and may address PrEP uptake disparities among Black and Latino sexual and gender minority (SGM) men. Uptake of CAB-LA may require developing innovative non-clinic-based care delivery strategies in home-based settings. We explored SGM men's opinions on a future home-based CAB-LA PrEP care service to guide the adaptation of PrEP@Home, an existing home-based PrEP system for oral PrEP. Through 14 in-depth interviews with current or former SGM male participants in the PrEP@Home study, we explored the acceptability of a home-based injectable PrEP system and examined visit and communication-related preferences. All participants considered home-based CAB-LA care to be acceptable and 8/14 would utilize the system if available. Convenience and comfort with using a home-based system impacted the overall acceptance of the approach. Factors influencing acceptability included clinical teams' affiliation with healthcare systems, a credentialed two-person team, and staff identity verification methods. Logistical preferences included communicating pre-visit patient instructions, allowing flexible scheduling hours, and the use of text, phone calls, or mobile app communication methods based on urgency. Conclusively, a home-based CAB-LA PrEP delivery system was acceptable among the interviewed SGM men, guiding its development and future implementation.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03569813.

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of an mHealth Intervention to Improve PrEP Adherence Among Young Sexual Minority Men

This randomized controlled study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of the PrEP iT! mHealth intervention designed to improve PrEP adherence among young men who have sex with men (YMSM). A national sample of 80 YMSM in the U.S. (Mage = 25 years; 54% racial/ethnic minority), recruited through social media ads, were randomized to either the PrEP iT! or usual PrEP care conditions. Participants completed online surveys and submitted self-collected dried blood sample (DBS) data as measures of PrEP adherence. Differences in PrEP adherence across treatment arms and between participants with high versus low engagement in PrEP iT! were assessed. Retention was high at the three (94%) and six (93%) month assessment, and participants in PrEP iT! reported satisfactory acceptability of the intervention. There were no significant differences in self-reported or DBS-derived PrEP adherence between randomized groups. However, YMSM in the PrEP iT! group with high PrEP adherence (the equivalent of four or more doses/week through self-report and DBS-derived measures) demonstrated significantly higher engagement in the intervention than those with low PrEP adherence (the equivalent of 3 or fewer doses/week). Overall, the PrEP iT! intervention demonstrated strong feasibility and acceptability. The finding that high PrEP iT! intervention engagement was associated with protective levels of PrEP adherence suggests it is a viable adherence support tool that should be further evaluated in definitive trial among YMSM who need basic support, or as part of a more comprehensive adherence support package for those who need greater assistance.Trial registration Clinical Trials # NCT04509076 (registered August 10, 2020).

Developing an mHealth program to improve HIV care continuum outcomes among young Black gay and bisexual men

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.

Community engagement tools in HIV/STI prevention research

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Community engagement is key to the success of sustainable public health interventions. This review highlights recent published studies that describe the use of community-engaged methods in sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention research.

RECENT FINDINGS

We organized the findings using a socio-ecological model. At the individual level, communities were engaged through participation in formative research, short-term consultations and community advisory board participation, as well as co-creation activities. At the interpersonal level, studies reviewed described peer-led interventions that leverage the influence and guidance of peers, patient-led interventions in the form of patient navigation and notification, as well as those that mobilize social networks and the power of social relationships to promote health. At the organizational and community level, multisectoral, multifacility collaborations between community, government, and academic stakeholders were highlighted. At the policy and population level, communities were engaged through community dialogues to disseminate research findings, as well as in developing strategic frameworks and clinical guidelines. Digital tools have also been leveraged for effective community engagement.

SUMMARY

Communities have an effective role to play in STI prevention and can be engaged at multiple levels. Future efforts may consider the use of community engagement tools highlighted in this review, including digital technologies that have the potential to reach more diverse end-users.

Positive views, attitudes, and acceptability toward mHealth applications in addressing queer sexual and reproductive health: Healthcare providers and the queer individuals

Objective

In the age of digital health, mankind has resources to write over the historical narrative of queer individuals' healthcare exclusions. The main purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of both healthcare providers (HCPs) and queer individuals regarding the use of web-based tools and mobile health applications (mHealth apps) in the context of addressing queer individuals' sexual and reproductive health services and needs (SRHSN).

Methods

An overall study was conducted as an exploratory sequential mixed method. This article provides findings from the performed qualitative cycle. The selection method was led by purposeful sampling, which targeted 33 HCPs delivering SRHSN within the defined study settings. Additionally, respondent-driven sampling was employed to select 22 queer individuals. Throughout the study, semi-structured one-on-one face-to-face interviews were used to collect data.

Results

Four major themes and related sub-themes emerged from HCPs and queer individuals: (a) aid queer individuals with consultations and treatment improvements, (b) drawing parallels with technology in other sectors, (c) enhancing knowledge and education, and (d) positive perception of technological advancements.

Conclusions

In accordance with our findings, HCPs and queer individuals were all positive and sees mHealth apps as a tool to address SRHSN for homosexual people.

An instant messaging mobile phone application for promoting HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake among Chinese gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men: A mixed methods feasibility and piloting randomized controlled trial study

BACKGROUND

Mobile health (mHealth) is a promising intervention mode for HIV prevention, but little is known about its feasibility and effects in promoting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among Chinese gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM).

METHODS

We evaluated an instant messaging application using a WeChat-based mini-app to promote PrEP uptake among GBMSM via a mixed-methods design that includes a 12-week, two-arm randomized controlled pilot trial and in-depth progress interviews in Guangzhou, China. Primary outcomes include the number of PrEP initiations, individual-level psychosocial variables related to PrEP initiation, and usability of the PrEP mini-app.

RESULTS

Between November 2020 and April 2021, 70 GBMSM were successfully enrolled and randomized into two arms at 2:1 ratio (46 to the intervention arm, 24 to the control arm). By the end of 12-week follow-up, 22 (31.4%) participants completed the initial consultation and lab tests for PrEP, and 13 (18.6%) filled their initial PrEP prescription. We observed modest but non-significant improvements in participants' intention to use PrEP, actual PrEP initiation, PrEP-related self-efficacy, stigma, and attitudes over 12 weeks when comparing the mini-app and the control arms. Qualitative interviews revealed the key barriers to PrEP uptake include anticipated stigma and discrimination in clinical settings, burden of PrEP care, and limited operating hours of the PrEP clinic. In-person clinic navigation support was highly valued.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot trial of a mobile phone-based PrEP mini-app demonstrated feasibility and identified limitations in facilitating PrEP uptake among Chinese GBMSM. Future improvements may include diversifying the content presentation in engaging media formats, adding user engagement features, and providing off-line in-clinic navigation support during initial PrEP visit. More efforts are needed to understand optimal strategies to identify and implement alternative PrEP provision models especially in highly stigmatized settings with diverse needs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial registration: The study was prospectively registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04426656) on 11 June, 2020.

Utilizing Community Based Participatory Research Methods in Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx Communities in the US: The CDC Minority HIV Research Initiative (MARI-Round 4)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Minority HIV Research Initiative (MARI) funded 8 investigators in 2016 to develop HIV prevention and treatment interventions in highly affected communities. We describe MARI studies who used community-based participatory research methods to inform the development of interventions in Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx communities focused on sexual minority men (SMM) or heterosexual populations. Each study implemented best practice strategies for engaging with communities, informing recruitment strategies, navigating through the impacts of COVID-19, and disseminating findings. Best practice strategies common to all MARI studies included establishing community advisory boards, engaging community members in all stages of HIV research, and integrating technology to sustain interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Implementing community-informed approaches is crucial to intervention uptake and long-term sustainability in communities of color. MARI investigators' research studies provide a framework for developing effective programs tailored to reducing HIV-related racial/ethnic disparities.

Efficacy of a Mobile Phone-Based Intervention on Health Behaviors and HIV/AIDS Treatment Management: Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is considered the most important intervention for HIV-positive patients; thus, encouraging the use of and adherence to ART are vital to HIV treatment outcomes. Advances in web and mobile technologies hold potential in supporting HIV treatment management.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a theory-based mobile health (mHealth) intervention on health behaviors and HIV treatment adherence among patients with HIV/AIDS in Vietnam.

METHODS

We performed a randomized controlled trial on 425 HIV patients in two of the largest HIV clinics in Hanoi, Vietnam. Both the intervention group (238 patients) and the control group (187 patients) received regular consultations with doctors and then participated in 1-month and 3-month follow-up visits. Patients in the intervention group received a theory-driven smartphone app to facilitate medication adherence and self-efficacy in HIV patients. Measurements were developed based on the Health Belief Model, which included the visual analog scale of ART Adherence, HIV Treatment Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale, and HIV Symptom Management Self-Efficacy Scale. We also included the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess patients' mental health throughout treatment.

RESULTS

In the intervention group, the adherence score increased significantly (β=1.07, 95% CI .24-1.90) after 1 month, whereas the HIV adherence self-efficacy was significantly higher after 3 months (β=2.17, 95% CI 2.07-2.27) compared to the control group. There was a positive but low level of change in risk behaviors such as drinking, smoking, and drug use. Factors related to positive change in adherence were being employed and having stable mental well-being (lower PHQ-9 scores). Factors associated with self-efficacy in treatment adherence and symptom management were gender, occupation, younger age, and having no other underlying conditions. A longer duration of ART increased treatment adherence but decreased self-efficacy in symptom management.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that the mHealth app could improve the overall ART adherence self-efficacy of patients. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are needed to support our findings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Thai Clinical Trials Registry TCTR20220928003; https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20220928003.

Clinic-Integrated Smartphone App (JomPrEP) to Improve Uptake of HIV Testing and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Malaysia: Mixed Methods Evaluation of Usability and Acceptability

BACKGROUND

HIV disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM). In Malaysia, where stigma and discrimination toward MSM are high, including in health care settings, mobile health (mHealth) platforms have the potential to open new frontiers in HIV prevention.

OBJECTIVE

We developed an innovative, clinic-integrated smartphone app called JomPrEP, which provides a virtual platform for Malaysian MSM to engage in HIV prevention services. In collaboration with the local clinics in Malaysia, JomPrEP offers a range of HIV prevention (ie, HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis [PrEP]) and other support services (eg, referral to mental health support) without having to interface face to face with clinicians. This study evaluated the usability and acceptability of JomPrEP to deliver HIV prevention services for MSM in Malaysia.

METHODS

In total, 50 PrEP-naive MSM without HIV in Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were recruited between March and April 2022. Participants used JomPrEP for a month and completed a postuse survey. The usability of the app and its features were assessed using self-report and objective measures (eg, app analytics, clinic dashboard). Acceptability was evaluated using the System Usability Scale (SUS).

RESULTS

The participants' mean age was 27.9 (SD 5.3) years. Participants used JomPrEP for an average of 8 (SD 5.0) times during 30 days of testing, with each session lasting an average of 28 (SD 38.9) minutes. Of the 50 participants, 42 (84%) ordered an HIV self-testing (HIVST) kit using the app, of whom 18 (42%) ordered an HIVST more than once. Almost all participants (46/50, 92%) initiated PrEP using the app (same-day PrEP initiation: 30/46, 65%); of these, 16/46 (35%) participants chose PrEP e-consultation via the app (vs in-person consultation). Regarding PrEP dispensing, 18/46 (39%) participants chose to receive their PrEP via mail delivery (vs pharmacy pickup). The app was rated as having high acceptability with a mean score of 73.8 (SD 10.1) on the SUS.

CONCLUSIONS

JomPrEP was found to be a highly feasible and acceptable tool for MSM in Malaysia to access HIV prevention services quickly and conveniently. A broader, randomized controlled trial is warranted to evaluate its efficacy on HIV prevention outcomes among MSM in Malaysia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05052411; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05052411.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

RR2-10.2196/43318.

Reaching Out to Adolescents at High Risk of HIV Infection in Brazil: Demand Creation Strategies for PrEP and Other HIV Combination Prevention Methods

Using baseline data from the PrEP1519 cohort, in this article we aimed to analyze: (i) the effectiveness of demand creation strategies (DCS) to enroll adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM) and adolescent transgender women (ATGW) into an HIV combination prevention study in Brazil; (ii) the predictors of DCS for adolescents' enrollment; and (iii) the factors associated with DCS by comparing online and face-to-face strategies for enrollment. The DCS included peer recruitment (i.e., online and face-to-face) and referrals from health services and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). AMSM and ATGW who agreed to participate in the study could opt to enroll in either PrEP (PrEP arm) or to use other prevention methods (non-PrEP arm). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted and logistic regression odds ratios were estimated. The DCS reached 4529 AMSM and ATGW, the majority of which were derived online (73.8%). Of this total, 935 (20.6%) enrolled to participate (76.6% in PrEP arm and 23.4% in non-PrEP arm). The effectiveness of enrolling adolescents into both arms was greater via direct referrals (235/382 and 84/382, respectively) and face-to-face peer recruitment (139/670 and 35/670, respectively) than online (328/3342). We found that a combination under DCS was required for successful enrollment in PrEP, with online strategies majorly tending to enroll adolescents of a higher socioeconomic status. Our findings reinforce the need for DCS that actively reaches out to all adolescents at the greatest risk for HIV infection, irrespective of their socioeconomic status.

Uptake and Acceptability of MyChoices: Results of a Pilot RCT of a Mobile App Designed to Increase HIV Testing and PrEP Uptake Among Young American MSM

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) remain at disproportionate risk for HIV acquisition in the United States (US), yet use of evidence-based prevention strategies, including routine HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), remain low. Smartphones and mobile app usage are nearly ubiquitous in this population. Given the potential for scalability, a mobile app to increase HIV testing and PrEP use among YMSM has the potential to make an extraordinary public health impact if efficacious. Based on extensive formative, community-engaged research, we developed a theory-driven mobile app-MyChoices-to increase HIV testing and PrEP uptake among YMSM. In a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), participants (n = 60) were randomized 2:1 to receive MyChoices or standard of care (SOC). Data from 3 to 6-month post-baseline assessments demonstrate that the app was highly acceptable (System Usability Score; mean = 75.8, SD = 10.7) and feasible (94% used the MyChoices app at least once; mean = 15.3 sessions, SD = 9.8). While not powered to assess efficacy, those in the MyChoices arm had 22% higher prevalence of HIV testing over follow-up compared to those in the SOC arm (NS). There was no difference in PrEP uptake. A fully-powered efficacy trial is warranted; if efficacy is demonstrated, the MyChoices app could be easily scaled to reach YMSM across the US.

The ATEAM study: Advances in technology to enhance PrEP adherence monitoring (ATEAM) among young men who have sex with men

Young age has consistently correlated with lower adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Digital medicine, a dynamic healthcare platform of wearable physiological sensors and mobile communication technology that can respond to medication nonadherence rapidly, has the potential in promoting PrEP adherence. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of Proteus Discover, a digital monitoring adherence system, to measure PrEP adherence and provide real-time feedback among cisgender YMSM and transgender women. One hundred HIV-negative young men and transgender women ages 16-24 years were enrolled in a 24-week randomized controlled crossover study to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate with emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) coencapsulated with Proteus Discover versus TDF/FTC standard-of-care. Participants in the 12-week Proteus Discover arm received weekly SMS text messages to promote pill taking based on Proteus Discover adherence data. Dried blood spots (DBS) were collected at 4-week intervals for tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) in red blood cells as the referent and questionnaires were completed to assess acceptability, usability, and patterns of use. Linear mixed models analyzed the relationship between 30-day adherence measured by DBS and Proteus Discover. PrEP adherence was high overall. Adherence, as measured by DBS, was correlated with adherence as measured by Proteus Discover (p value = 0.03). Most participants reported that Proteus Discover helped them take their PrEP daily and that the system was easy to use. However, a majority (53.5%-60.5%) disagreed with the statement that wearing the patch was not an issue. There was an incremental increase in TFV-DP in DBS with adherence by Proteus Discover. More research is warranted to explore optimizing PrEP adherence for youth through real-time monitoring.

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

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.

Behavioral Efficacy of a Sexual Health Mobile App for Men Who Have Sex With Men: Randomized Controlled Trial of Mobile Messaging for Men

BACKGROUND

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) face the highest burden of HIV in the United States, and there is a paucity of efficacious mobile health (mHealth) HIV prevention and care interventions tailored specifically for GBMSM. We tested a mobile app combining prevention messages and access to core prevention services for GBMSM.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to measure the efficacy of the Mobile Messaging for Men (M-cubed) app and related services to increase HIV prevention and care behaviors in diverse US GBMSM.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized open-label study with a waitlist control group among GBMSM in 3 groups (low-risk HIV-negative group, high-risk HIV-negative group, and living-with-HIV [LWH] group) recruited online and in venues in Atlanta, Detroit, and New York City. Participants were randomly assigned to receive access to the app immediately or at 9 months after randomization. The app provided prevention messages in 6 domains of sexual health and offered ordering of at-home HIV and sexually transmitted infection test kits, receiving preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) evaluations and navigation, and service locators. Serostatus- and risk-specific prevention outcomes were evaluated at baseline, at the end of the intervention period, and at 3, 6, and 9 months after the intervention period.

RESULTS

In total, 1226 GBMSM were enrolled and randomized; of these 611 (49.84%) were assigned to the intervention group and 608 (99.51%) were analyzed, while 615 (50.16%) were assigned to the control group and 612 (99.51%) were analyzed. For high-risk GBMSM, allocation to the intervention arm was associated with higher odds of HIV testing during the intervention period (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.02, 95% CI 1.11-3.66) and with higher odds of using PrEP in the 3 months after the intervention period (aOR 2.41, 95% CI 1.00-5.76, P<.05). No changes in HIV prevention or care were associated with allocation to the intervention arm for the low-risk HIV-negative and LWH groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Access to the M-cubed app was associated with increased HIV testing and PrEP use among high-risk HIV-negative GBMSM in 3 US cities. The app could be made available through funded HIV prevention providers; additional efforts are needed to understand optimal strategies to implement the app outside of the research setting.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03666247; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03666247.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

RR2-10.2196/16439.

Opioid use disorder: a neglected human immunodeficiency virus risk in American adolescents

In 2017 alone, 783 000 children aged 12-17 years misused opioids with 14 000 using heroin. Opioid misuse and opioid use disorder (OUD) in adolescents and young adults are significant barriers to ending the HIV epidemic. To address these synergistic scourges requires dedicated practitioners and improved access to life-saving evidence-based treatment. Adolescents and young adults make up over one in five new HIV diagnoses even though they are less likely to be tested or know they are infected. Adolescents and young adults living with HIV are less likely to be retained in care or achieve virological suppression. OUD further leads to increased rates of risky behaviours (like sex without condoms), deceased retention in HIV care and decreased rates of viral suppression in this vulnerable population. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are recommended for adolescents and young adults with severe OUD and help retain youth in HIV treatment and decrease risk of death. However, due to stigma and lack of experience prescribing MOUD in adolescents, MOUD is often perceived as a last line option. MOUD remains difficult to access for adolescents with a shortage of providers and decreased options for treatment as compared to adults. Addiction treatment is infection prevention, and integrated addiction and HIV services are recommended to improve health outcomes. A multipronged approach including patient education, provider training and policy changes to improve access to treatment and harm reduction are urgently needed confront the drug use epidemic in youth.