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MacGowan RJ, Chavez PR, Dana R, Hannah M, Raiford JL, Caldwell JA, Wall KM, Johnson JA, Sharma A, Hightow-Weidman L, Stephenson R, Sanchez T, Smith AJ, Sullivan S, Jones J, Sullivan PS. Efficacy of Internet Recruitment and HIV Self-Testing for Diagnosing HIV Infections Among Black and Hispanic/Latino MSM and Transgender Women in 11 US States, 2020-2021. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 97:133-141. [PMID: 39250647 PMCID: PMC11386906 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003476] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We evaluated internet platforms for distributing HIV self-tests (HIVSTs) to Black or African American (Black) and Hispanic or Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW). METHODS We recruited MSM and TGW from general interest, dating, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender platforms. Two HIVSTs were mailed to all MSM and TGW. Surveys (screening, baseline, 4-month, and results reporting) were completed online. After 4 months, participants were mailed another HIVST and a dried blood spot card. All HIVST interpretations and images of HIVST devices were reported online. RESULTS Of 2093 MSM and 102 TGW, most were recruited through general interest and dating platforms. Over 50% were 18-29 years old, most identified as gay or bisexual. Overall, 45% had not tested for HIV in the past 12 months, and 9.1% of MSM reported a positive (reactive for HIV antibodies) HIVST result, with the highest percentage among Black MSM (11.5%). Dating platforms recruited higher percentages of MSM who recorded positive results compared with MSM from general interest platforms during the intervention period (11.9% vs 5.5% (P < 0.0001)), and MSM who had never tested for HIV reported a greater percentage of positive HIVST results compared with MSM who had been tested for HIV before enrollment (16.1% vs. 7.1%; P < 0.0001). MSM were able to correctly interpret and report HIVST results. Of TGW, 7% reported a positive HIVST result. CONCLUSIONS Internet dating and general interest platforms can be key to increasing awareness of infection among BMSM, HMSM, and TGW persons, including those who do not use existing HIV services. TRIAL REGISTRATION www.clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT04219878.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin J. MacGowan
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Division of HIV Prevention
| | - Pollyanna R. Chavez
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Division of HIV Prevention
| | - Ruth Dana
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology
| | - Marissa Hannah
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology
| | - Jerris L. Raiford
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Division of HIV Prevention
| | - Joanna A. Caldwell
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology
| | - Kristin M. Wall
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology
| | - Jeffrey A. Johnson
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Division of HIV Prevention
| | | | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Department of Medicine (Current affiliation: Florida State University College of Nursing, Institute on Digital Health and Innovation)
| | | | - Travis Sanchez
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology
| | - Amanda J. Smith
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Division of HIV Prevention
| | | | - Jeb Jones
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology
| | - Patrick S. Sullivan
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology
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Gonzalez J, Rebolledo PA, Siegler AJ, Huang W, Mayer KH, Cantos VD. Development of a home-based pre-exposure prophylaxis care delivery system for long-acting injectable cabotegravir: a formative exploration of patient preferences. AIDS Care 2024:1-9. [PMID: 39245031 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2397128] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janelly Gonzalez
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Paulina A Rebolledo
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Aaron J Siegler
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Wenting Huang
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Science, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Valeria D Cantos
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Gautam K, Shrestha R, Dlamini S, Razali B, Paudel K, Azwa I, Saifi R, Toh Y, Justin Lim H, Sutherland R, Restar A, Phanuphak N, Wickersham JA. Adaptation of a Theory-Based Mobile App to Improve Access to HIV Prevention Services for Transgender Women in Malaysia: Focus Group Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e56250. [PMID: 39137407 DOI: 10.2196/56250] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, transgender women have been disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic, including in Malaysia, where an estimated 11% of transgender women are living with HIV. Available interventions designed specifically to meet transgender women's needs for HIV prevention are limited. Mobile health, particularly smartphone mobile apps, is an innovative and cost-effective strategy for reaching transgender women and delivering interventions to reduce HIV vulnerability. OBJECTIVE This study aims to adapt a theory-based mobile health HIV prevention smartphone app, HealthMindr, to meet the unique needs of transgender women in Malaysia. We conducted theater testing of the HealthMindr app with transgender women and key stakeholders and explored barriers to transgender women's uptake of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). METHODS From February to April 2022, a total of 6 focus group (FG) sessions were conducted with 29 participants: 4 FG sessions with transgender women (n=18, 62%) and 2 FG sessions with stakeholders (n=11, 38%) providing HIV prevention services to transgender women in Malaysia. Barriers to PrEP uptake and gender-affirming care services among transgender women in Malaysia were explored. Participants were then introduced to the HealthMindr app and provided a comprehensive tour of the app's features and functions. Participants provided feedback on the app and on how existing features should be adapted to meet the needs of transgender women, as well as any features that should be removed or added. Each FG was digitally recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were coded inductively using Dedoose software (version 9.0.54; SocioCultural Research Consultants, LLC) and analyzed to identify and interpret emerging themes. RESULTS Six subthemes related to PrEP barriers were found: stigma and discrimination, limited PrEP knowledge, high PrEP cost, accessibility concerns, alternative prevention methods, and perceived adverse effects. Participants suggested several recommendations regarding the attributes and app features that would be the most useful for transgender women in Malaysia. Adaptation and refinement of the app were related to the attributes of the app (user interface, security, customizable colors, themes, and avatars), feedback, and requests for additional mobile app functional (appointment booking, e-consultation, e-pharmacy, medicine tracker, mood tracker, resources, and service site locator) and communication (peer support group, live chat, and discussion forum) features. CONCLUSIONS The results reveal that multifaceted barriers hinder PrEP uptake and use among transgender women in Malaysia. The findings also provide detailed recommendations for successfully adapting the HealthMindr app to the context of Malaysian transgender women, with a potential solution for delivering tailored HIV prevention, including PrEP, and increasing accessibility to gender-affirming care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Gautam
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Roman Shrestha
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sihlelelwe Dlamini
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Belle Razali
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kiran Paudel
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Iskandar Azwa
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rumana Saifi
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - YuHang Toh
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hazriq Justin Lim
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ryan Sutherland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Arjee Restar
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Jeffrey A Wickersham
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Creasy SL, Sweet S, Myers JJ, Shumway M, Tolou-Shams M, McCaffrey N, Dauria EF. eHealth-Enhanced Peer Navigation for Substance Use Treatment and HIV Prevention Service Linkage for Young Adults Surveilled by the Criminal Legal System: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Trial Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e54815. [PMID: 38530335 PMCID: PMC11005443 DOI: 10.2196/54815] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States, the proportion of criminal legal-involved (CLI) adults with a substance use disorder reaches 72%, and ~150,000 persons with HIV pass through a carceral setting annually, which represents 16% of the HIV-infected population nationally. Despite the high need for substance use treatment and HIV prevention services, few carceral settings successfully link CLI individuals to treatment upon release. Young adults represent 41.9% of the adults incarcerated in the United States and have the highest HIV incidence rates nationally. Peer patient navigation has successfully increased community-based care linkage for people living with HIV leaving jail; yet, peer-led navigation for HIV prevention among HIV-negative CLI populations is undeveloped and untested. eHealth approaches to substance use and HIV prevention services hold promise because they improve access to effective intervention services, particularly for younger people. OBJECTIVE This paper describes a protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial that aims to improve linkage to substance use treatment and HIV prevention services using peer navigation and a codeveloped eHealth technology adjunct. METHODS The three aims of this study are to (1) adapt an existing evidence-based navigator model and incorporate codeveloped eHealth technology to refer and link young adults (18 to 29 years) surveilled by the criminal legal system to substance use and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services; (2) refine and test the intervention with criminal legal-involved young adults (CLI-YAs); and (3) assess the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of the intervention. Data to inform the intervention will be collected via system partner interviews (n=4) and focus groups with CLI-YAs (n=24). Next, an open trial (n=10) will be conducted. The intervention will be refined via interviews with participants and facilitators, and a randomized pilot trial (n=75) will be conducted to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of the eHealth-enhanced navigation on substance use and PrEP services linkage. Exit interviews conducted with a subsample of intervention participants (n=10), the navigator (n=1), and system partners (n=4) will assess intervention acceptability and suggestions for improvement. A community of practice, a group of system partners with an interest in working toward solutions to common problems, will inform each phase of the study. RESULTS The project is currently ongoing. The project was funded in September 2022. Internal review board approval was received on March 21, 2022. The first results from early study aims are expected to be published in 2025. CONCLUSIONS This study provides an opportunity to reduce HIV acquisition and improve access to substance use treatment in a systemically marginalized group: young CLI-YAs. The results will contribute to the development and testing of a future multilevel randomized controlled trial. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/54815.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Creasy
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sheridan Sweet
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Janet J Myers
- Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Martha Shumway
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Marina Tolou-Shams
- Department of Psychiatry, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Nicole McCaffrey
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Emily F Dauria
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Lin Y, Ren C, Liao M, Kang D, Li C, Jiao K, Wang L, Yan Y, Li Y, Wu T, Cheng C, Zhao Z, Xu Z, Tang W, Tucker JD, Ma W. Digital, Crowdsourced, Multilevel Intervention to Promote HIV Testing Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e46890. [PMID: 37902831 PMCID: PMC10644183 DOI: 10.2196/46890] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite great efforts in HIV prevention worldwide, HIV testing uptake among men who have sex with men (MSM) remains suboptimal. The effectiveness of digital, crowdsourced, multilevel interventions in improving HIV testing is still unclear. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a digital, crowdsourced, multilevel intervention in improving HIV testing uptake among MSM in China. METHODS We conducted a 2-arm cluster randomized controlled trial among MSM in 11 cities in Shandong province, China, from August 2019 to April 2020. Participants were men who were HIV seronegative or had unknown serum status, had anal sex with a man in the past 12 months, and had not been tested for HIV in the past 3 months. Participants were recruited through a gay dating app and community-based organizations from preselected cities; these cities were matched into 5 blocks (2 clusters per block) and further randomly assigned (1:1) to receive a digital, crowdsourced, multilevel intervention (intervention arm) or routine intervention (control arm). The digital multilevel intervention was developed through crowdsourced open calls tailored for MSM, consisting of digital intervention images and videos, the strategy of providing HIV self-testing services through digital tools, and peer-moderated discussion within WeChat groups. The primary outcome was self-reported HIV testing uptake in the previous 3 months. An intention-to-treat approach was used to examine the cluster-level effect of the intervention in the 12-month study period using generalized linear mixed models and the individual-level effect using linear mixed models. RESULTS A total of 935 MSM were enrolled (404 intervention participants and 531 controls); 751 participants (80.3%) completed at least one follow-up survey. Most participants were younger than 30 years (n=601, 64.3%), single (n=681, 72.8%), had a college degree or higher (n=629, 67.3%), and had an HIV testing history (n=785, 84%). Overall, the proportion of testing for HIV in the past 3 months at the 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-ups was higher in the intervention arm (139/279, 49.8%; 148/266, 55.6%; 189/263, 71.9%; and 171/266, 64.3%, respectively) than the control arm (183/418, 43.8%; 178/408, 43.6%; 206/403, 51.1%; and 182/397, 48.4%, respectively), with statistically significant differences at the 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-ups. At the cluster level, the proportion of participants who had tested for HIV increased 11.62% (95% CI 0.74%-22.5%; P=.04) with the intervention. At the individual level, participants in the intervention arm had 69% higher odds for testing for HIV in the past 3 months compared with control participants, but the result was not statistically significant (risk ratio 1.69, 95% CI 0.87-3.27; P=.11). CONCLUSIONS The intervention effectively improved HIV testing uptake among Chinese MSM. Our findings highlight that digital, crowdsourced, multilevel interventions should be made more widely available for HIV prevention and other public health issues. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900024350; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=36718. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.1186/s13063-020-04860-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Lin
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ci Ren
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Meizhen Liao
- Institution for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China
| | - Dianmin Kang
- Institution for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China
| | - Chuanxi Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Kedi Jiao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yu Yan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yijun Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Taoyu Wu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chunxiao Cheng
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhe Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zece Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Weiming Tang
- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Project-China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Joseph D Tucker
- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wei Ma
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Becker N, Kim HC, Bright DJ, Williams Iii R, Anguera JA, Arnold EA, Saberi P, Neilands TB, Pollack LM, Tan JY. Acceptability of the LetSync App Wireframes for an mHealth Intervention to Improve HIV Care Engagement and Treatment Among Black Partnered Sexual Minority Men: Findings from In-Depth Qualitative Interviews. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e43676. [PMID: 37624634 PMCID: PMC10492169 DOI: 10.2196/43676] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV disparities continue to be a significant challenge affecting Black sexual minority men in the United States. Inadequate engagement and retention of patients in HIV care has been associated with poor health outcomes. Interventions to improve sustained commitment to HIV care are needed. Mobile health interventions can help facilitate access to and use of HIV health services, particularly among individuals at risk for disengaging with care. OBJECTIVE We designed the LetSync app wireframes for a mobile health intervention using a couple-centered design approach to improve HIV engagement and treatment among Black sexual minority men and their partners. The objective of this study was to gauge future app user interest and elicit feedback to improve the design, development, and usability of the LetSync app. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews with 24 Black sexual minority men to assess the acceptability of the LetSync app wireframes between May 2020 and January 2021. Participants reviewed the LetSync app wireframes and provided feedback regarding perceived usefulness and interest in future app use and suggestions for improvement. RESULTS Participants indicated interest in the future LetSync app and noted that the wireframes' features were acceptable and usable. In our study, the future LetSync app was frequently referred to as a potential resource that could help facilitate users' engagement in HIV care through the following mechanisms: enable scheduling of appointments and timely reminders for clinic visits; help improve HIV medication adherence; encourage and motivate participants to ask questions to their health care provider and stay engaged in conversations during clinic visits; facilitate effective communication by assisting couples with planning, coordination, and management of daily routines; help participants understand their partner's health needs, including access to and use of health care services; and facilitate participants' ability to improve their relationship skills, partner support, and self-efficacy in managing conflict. In addition to near-universal interest in potential daily app use, study participants indicted that they would recommend the LetSync app to other family members, friends, and people in their social networks who are living with HIV. CONCLUSIONS Our findings revealed considerable interest in future app use for HIV care management, which could possibly increase the chance of the LetSync app being successfully adopted by Black sexual minority men in couples. Owing to its interactive and couple-centered approach, the LetSync app could help improve communication between Black sexual minority men and their partners and health providers. In addition, the LetSync app could provide an acceptable modality for these men to receive support in accessing HIV care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozipho Becker
- Office for Inclusive Excellence, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Hyunjin C Kim
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Darius J Bright
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Robert Williams Iii
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Joaquin A Anguera
- Neuroscape, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Emily A Arnold
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Parya Saberi
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Torsten B Neilands
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Lance M Pollack
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Judy Y Tan
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Tesema N, Guillaume D, Francis S, Paul S, Chandler R. Mobile Phone Apps for HIV Prevention Among College-Aged Black Women in Atlanta: Mixed Methods Study and User-Centered Prototype. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e37987. [PMID: 36821362 PMCID: PMC9999260 DOI: 10.2196/37987] [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: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black women in college are disproportionately affected by HIV diagnoses. Mobile apps can facilitate the innovative delivery of accurate HIV and sexual and reproductive health information. However, mobile health interventions are severely underused in this population. OBJECTIVE We aimed to quantitatively and qualitatively explore the perspectives of college-aged Black women on using a mobile health app for HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health. The data obtained from Black women were used to design preliminary mobile app wireframes and features. METHODS This explanatory, sequential mixed methods study took place from 2019 to 2020 and targeted Black women who were enrolled in college or who had recently graduated from college. Convenience sampling was used during the quantitative phase, followed by purposive sampling in the qualitative phase. A cross-sectional web-based survey evaluating the willingness to use a mobile app for HIV prevention was conducted in the quantitative phase. Descriptive statistics were used for all variables. A separate focus group discussion was conducted with Black women in college to expand on the quantitative results. Focus group discussions explored their perceptions on HIV and health content delivered through a mobile app along with potential features that participants desired within the app. Using the data obtained, we selected the primary features for the app prototype. RESULTS In total, we enrolled 34 participants in the survey, with 6 participating in focus group discussions. Over half of the respondents reported a willingness to use an app that contained pre-exposure prophylaxis content. Women who claimed recent sexual activity reported being more likely to use an app feature that would allow them to order an at-home HIV testing kit than their non-sexually active counterparts. The emerging themes from the focus group session were Black women's health concerns, HIV risk, sources of health information, and preferred app features. The content in our prototype included speaking with a specialist, HIV and pre-exposure prophylaxis information, holistic wellness, and features promoting engagement and retention. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study guided the design of wireframes for an app prototype targeting HIV prevention in college-aged Black women. The rapid growth of mobile devices in Black communities, coupled with high rates of smartphone ownership among Black youth, makes mobile health interventions a promising strategy for addressing sexual and reproductive health disparities. Participants in our sample were willing to use a culturally appropriate and gender-considerate app for their sexual health needs. Our findings indicate that Black women in college may be excellent candidates for mobile app-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Tesema
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Dominique Guillaume
- Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Sherilyn Francis
- School of Interactive Computing, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Sudeshna Paul
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Rasheeta Chandler
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Shrestha R, Altice FL, Khati A, Azwa I, Gautam K, Gupta S, Sullivan PS, Ni Z, Kamarulzaman A, Phiphatkunarnon P, Wickersham JA. 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. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2023; 11:e44468. [PMID: 36795465 PMCID: PMC9982718 DOI: 10.2196/44468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Shrestha
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | | | - Antoine Khati
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Iskandar Azwa
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kamal Gautam
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Sana Gupta
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Patrick Sean Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Zhao Ni
- Yale School of Nursing, West Haven, CT, United States
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Mavragani A, Hagen K, Duarte AP, Escobar C, Batina I, Orozco H, Rodriguez J, Camacho-Gonzalez A, Siegler AJ. Development of a Mobile App to Increase the Uptake of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among Latino Sexual Minority Men: Qualitative Needs Assessment. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e43844. [PMID: 36625855 PMCID: PMC9947765 DOI: 10.2196/43844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV disproportionally impacts Latino sexual minority men (SMM). Uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an effective biomedical intervention to prevent HIV, is low in this group compared with White SMM. Mobile health technology represents an innovative strategy to increase PrEP uptake among Latino SMM. OBJECTIVE We aimed to describe the qualitative process leading to the development of SaludFindr, a comprehensive HIV prevention mobile app aiming to increase PrEP uptake, HIV testing, and condom use by Latino SMM. METHODS We conducted 13 in-depth interviews with Latino SMM living in the Atlanta area to explore their main barriers and facilitators to PrEP uptake and to analyze their opinions of potential SaludFindr app functionalities. To explore potential app functions, we used HealthMindr, an existing HIV prevention app, as a template and added new proposed features intended to address the specific community needs. RESULTS We identified general PrEP uptake barriers that, although common among non-Latino groups, had added complexities such as the influence of religion and family on stigma. Low perceived PrEP eligibility, intersectional stigma, lack of insurance, cost concerns, and misconceptions about PrEP side effects were described as general barriers. We also identified Latino-specific barriers that predominantly hinder access to existing services, including a scarcity of PrEP clinics that are prepared to provide culturally concordant services, limited availability of Spanish language information related to PrEP access, distrust of peers as credible sources of information, perceived ineligibility for low-cost services owing to undocumented status, fear of immigration authorities, and competing work obligations that prevent PrEP clinic attendance. Health care providers represented a trusted source of information, and 3 provider characteristics were identified as PrEP facilitators: familiarity with prescribing PrEP; being Latino; and being part of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) group or ally. The proposed app was very well accepted, with a particularly high interest in features that facilitate PrEP access, including a tailored list of clinics that meet the community needs and a private platform to seek PrEP information. Spanish language availability and free or low-cost PrEP care represented the 2 main clinic criteria that would facilitate PrEP uptake. Latino representation in clinic staff and providers; clinic perception as a safe space for undocumented patients; and LGBTQIA+ representation was listed as additional criteria. Only 8 of 47 clinics listed on the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention PrEP locator website for the Atlanta area fulfilled at least 2 main criteria. CONCLUSIONS This study provides further evidence of the substantial PrEP uptake barriers that Latino SMM face; exposes the urgent need to increase the number of accessible PrEP-providing clinics for Latino SMM; and proposes an innovative, community-driven, and mobile technology-based tool as a future intervention to overcome some of these barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimberly Hagen
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Ana Paula Duarte
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Isabella Batina
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Humberto Orozco
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Josue Rodriguez
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Aaron J Siegler
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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10
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Willingness to Participate in and Preferences for Studies of mHealth HIV Prevention Interventions: Cross-Sectional Study Among Sexual and Gender Minority Groups in the Southern United States. AIDS Behav 2023:10.1007/s10461-023-04005-3. [PMID: 36738343 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04005-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A number of mobile HIV prevention interventions have been developed to increase uptake of HIV prevention services such as HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Most of these interventions have been tested among urban populations. However, sexual and gender minority (SGM) groups in rural areas might also benefit from mobile HIV prevention interventions. These groups have heightened experiences of stigma and discrimination and have limited access to culturally competent healthcare. We conducted a survey of SGM participants in the southern United States to assess willingness to use the common features of mobile HIV prevention interventions and to participate in research studies of these interventions and to compare the results between rural and non-rural respondents. We found few differences in willingness to use common features of mobile HIV prevention interventions based on rurality and high levels of cellular connectivity across participants. Based on these results, rural residence is not a barrier to using mobile HIV prevention interventions.
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Ortblad KF, Sekhon M, Wang L, Roth S, van der Straten A, Simoni JM, Velloza J. Acceptability Assessment in HIV Prevention and Treatment Intervention and Service Delivery Research: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Analysis. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:600-617. [PMID: 35870025 PMCID: PMC9868192 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03796-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We reviewed the literature on the assessment of acceptability of HIV prevention and treatment interventions and service delivery strategies. Following PRISMA guidelines, we screened 601 studies published from 2015 to 2020 and included 217 in our review. Of 384 excluded studies, 21% were excluded because they relied on retention as the sole acceptability indicator. Of 217 included studies, only 16% were rated at our highest tier of methodological rigor. Operational definitions of acceptability varied widely and failed to comprehensively represent the suggested constructs in current acceptability frameworks. Overall, 25 studies used formal quantitative assessments (including four adapted measures used in prior studies) and six incorporated frameworks of acceptability. Findings suggest acceptability assessment in recent HIV intervention and service delivery research lacks harmonization and rigor. We offer guidelines for best practices and future research, which are timely and critical in this era of informed choice and novel options for HIV prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina F Ortblad
- Public Health Science Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
| | - Mandeep Sekhon
- Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Research, Kingston University and St Georges University of London, London, UK
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Liying Wang
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | | | - Ariane van der Straten
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
- ASTRA Consulting, Kensington, USA
| | - Jane M Simoni
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Jennifer Velloza
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
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12
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Leung T, Sullivan S, MacGowan RJ, Chavez PR, Wall KM, Sanchez TH, Stephenson R, Hightow-Weidman L, Johnson JA, Smith A, Sharma A, Jones J, Hannah M, Trigg M, Luo W, Caldwell J, Sullivan PS. Engaging Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino Men Who Have Sex With Men for HIV Testing and Prevention Services Through Technology: Protocol for the iSTAMP Comparative Effectiveness Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e43414. [PMID: 36607707 PMCID: PMC9862319 DOI: 10.2196/43414] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly Black or African American MSM (BMSM) and Hispanic or Latino MSM (HLMSM), continue to be disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic in the United States. Previous HIV self-testing programs have yielded high testing rates, although these studies predominantly enrolled White, non-Hispanic MSM. Mobile health tools can support HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. This protocol details an implementation study of mailing free HIV self-tests (HIVSTs) nested within a randomized controlled trial designed to assess the benefit of a mobile phone app for increasing the uptake of HIV prevention and other social services. OBJECTIVE This study was a comparative effectiveness trial of innovative recruitment and testing promotion strategies intended to effectively reach cisgender BMSM and HLMSM. We evaluated the use of a mobile app for increasing access to care. METHODS Study development began with individual and group consultations that elicited feedback from 3 core groups: HIV care practitioners and researchers, HIV service organization leaders from study states, and BMSM and HLMSM living in the study states. Upon completion of the formative qualitative work, participants from 11 states, based on the observed areas of highest rate of new HIV diagnoses among Black and Hispanic MSM, were recruited through social networking websites and smartphone apps. After eligibility was verified, participants consented and were randomized to the intervention arm (access to the Know@Home mobile app) or the control arm (referral to web resources). We provided all participants with HIVSTs. The evaluation of the efficacy of a mobile phone app to support linkage to posttest prevention services that included sexually transmitted infection testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis initiation, antiretroviral treatment, and acquisition of condoms and compatible lubricants has been planned. Data on these outcomes were obtained from several sources, including HIVST-reporting surveys, the 4-month follow-up survey, laboratory analyses of dried blood spot cards returned by the participant, and data obtained from the state health department surveillance systems. Where possible, relevant subgroup analyses were performed. RESULTS During the formative development phase, 9 consultations were conducted: 6 in-depth individual discussions and 3 group consultations. From February 2020 through February 2021, we enrolled 2093 MSM in the randomized controlled trial from 11 states, 1149 BMSM and 944 HLMSM. CONCLUSIONS This study was designed and implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment strategies to reach BMSM and HMSM and of a mobile app with regard to linkage to HIV prevention or treatment services. Data were also obtained to allow for the analyses of cost and cost-effectiveness related to study enrollment, HIV testing uptake, identification of previously undiagnosed HIV, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, and linkage to HIV prevention or treatment services. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04219878); https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04219878. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/43414.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen Sullivan
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Robin J MacGowan
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Pollyanna R Chavez
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Kristin M Wall
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Travis H Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Rob Stephenson
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Jeffrey A Johnson
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Amanda Smith
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Akshay Sharma
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jeb Jones
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Marissa Hannah
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Monica Trigg
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Wei Luo
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Joanna Caldwell
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Patrick Sean Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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13
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Downing MJ, Wiatrek SE, Zahn RJ, Mansergh G, Olansky E, Gelaude D, Sullivan PS, Stephenson R, Siegler AJ, Bauermeister J, Horvath KJ, Chiasson MA, Yoon IS, Houang ST, Hernandez AJ, Hirshfield S. Video selection and assessment for an app-based HIV prevention messaging intervention: formative research. Mhealth 2023; 9:2. [PMID: 36760783 PMCID: PMC9902231 DOI: 10.21037/mhealth-21-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) continue to be overrepresented in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the United States. HIV prevention and care interventions that are tailored to an individual's serostatus have the potential to lower the rate of new infections among GBMSM. Mobile technology is a critical tool for disseminating targeted messaging and increasing uptake of basic prevention services including HIV testing, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Mobile Messaging for Men (M-Cubed) is a mobile health HIV prevention intervention designed to deliver video- and text-based prevention messages, provide STI and HIV information, and link GBMSM to prevention and healthcare resources. The current report describes an iterative process of identifying and selecting publicly available videos to be used as part of the M-Cubed intervention. We also conducted interviews with GBMSM to assess the acceptability, comprehension, and potential audience reach of the selected video messages. METHODS The selection of videos included balancing of specific criteria [e.g., accuracy of scientific information, video length, prevention domains: HIV/STI testing, antiretroviral therapy (ART), PrEP, engagement in care, and condom use] to ensure that they were intended for our GBMSM audiences: HIV-negative men who engage in condomless anal sex, HIV-negative men who do not engage in condomless anal sex, and men living with HIV. This formative study included in-person interviews with 26 GBMSM from three U.S. cities heavily impacted by the HIV epidemic-New York City, Detroit, and Atlanta. RESULTS Following a qualitative content analysis, the study team identified five themes across the interviews: participant reactions to the video messages, message comprehension, PrEP concerns, targeting of video messaging, and prompted action. CONCLUSIONS Study results informed a final selection of 12 video messages for inclusion in a randomized controlled trial of M-Cubed. Findings may serve as a guide for researchers who plan to develop HIV prevention interventions that utilize publicly available videos to promote behavioral change. Further, the findings presented here suggest the importance of developing videos with broad age and gender diversity for use in interventions such as M-Cubed, and in other health promotion settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah E. Wiatrek
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ryan J. Zahn
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gordon Mansergh
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Deborah Gelaude
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Patrick S. Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Department of Systems, Population and Leadership, School of Nursing & The Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Aaron J. Siegler
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - José Bauermeister
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Keith J. Horvath
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Mary Ann Chiasson
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Steven T. Houang
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Anthony Jimenez Hernandez
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sabina Hirshfield
- Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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14
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Shrestha R, Wickersham JA, Khati A, Azwa I, Ni Z, Kamarulzaman A, Sullivan PS, Jadkarim L, Eger WH, Gautam K, Altice FL. Clinic-Integrated Mobile Health Intervention ("JomPrEP" App) to Improve Uptake of HIV Testing and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Malaysia: Protocol for an Intervention Development and Multiphase Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e43318. [PMID: 36542425 PMCID: PMC9813821 DOI: 10.2196/43318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic in Malaysia and globally. Cross-cutting prevention strategies such as mobile health (mHealth), particularly smartphone apps, hold great promise for HIV prevention efforts among Malaysian MSM, especially when linked to HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). OBJECTIVE This study aims to adapt an existing app to create and test a clinic-integrated app (JomPrEP), a virtual platform to deliver HIV testing and PrEP services for MSM in Malaysia. METHODS The JomPrEP project involves developing and testing an app-based platform for HIV prevention among Malaysian MSM and will be conducted in 2 phases. In phase I (development phase), we will adapt an existing mHealth app (HealthMindr) to create a new clinic-integrated app called "JomPrEP" to deliver holistic HIV prevention services (eg, HIV testing, PrEP, support services for mental health and substance use) among MSM in Malaysia. During phase II (testing phase), we will use a type I hybrid implementation science trial design to test the efficacy of JomPrEP while gathering information on implementation factors to guide future scale-up in real-world settings. RESULTS As of September 2022, we have completed phase I of the proposed study. Based on a series of formative work completed during phase I, we developed a fully functional, clinic-integrated JomPrEP app, which provides a virtual platform for MSM in Malaysia to facilitate their engagement in HIV prevention in a fast and convenient manner. Based on participant feedback provided during phase I, we are currently optimizing JomPrEP and the research protocols for a large-scale efficacy trial (phase II), which will commence in January 2023. CONCLUSIONS Scant HIV prevention resources coupled with entrenched stigma, discrimination, and criminalization of same-sex sexual behavior and substance use hamper access to HIV prevention services in Malaysia. If found efficacious, JomPrEP can be easily adapted for a range of health outcomes and health care delivery services for MSM, including adaptation to other low- and middle-income countries. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05325476; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05325476. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/43318.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Shrestha
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | | | - Antoine Khati
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Iskandar Azwa
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zhao Ni
- School of Nursing, Yale University, West Haven, CT, United States
| | | | | | - Luzan Jadkarim
- AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - William H Eger
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,College of Health and Human Services, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Kamal Gautam
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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15
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Biello KB, Daddario SR, Hill-Rorie J, Futterman D, Sullivan PS, Hightow-Weidman L, Jones J, Mimiaga MJ, Mayer KH. 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. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:3981-3990. [PMID: 35829971 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03724-3] [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: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie B Biello
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Box G-S121-8, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Salvatore R Daddario
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Donna Futterman
- Adolescent AIDS Program, Children's Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center, The Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Global Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jeb Jones
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Global Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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16
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Sullivan PS, Galli R, Malhomme N, York J. Laboratory Industry Perspectives on the Role of Self-Collection and Self-Testing in Remote Care for Sexually Transmitted Infections: How Do We Bring These Services to Scale? Sex Transm Dis 2022; 49:S31-S35. [PMID: 35839281 PMCID: PMC10405362 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick S Sullivan
- From the Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Rick Galli
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, REACH Nexus, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - James York
- Business Development, Molecular Testing Labs, Vancouver, WA
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Stafylis C, Vavala G, Wang Q, McLeman B, Lemley SM, Young SD, Xie H, Matthews AG, Oden N, Revoredo L, Shmueli-Blumberg D, Hichborn EG, McKelle E, Moran LM, Jacobs P, Marsch LA, Klausner JD. Relative Effectiveness of Social Media, Dating Apps, and Information Search Sites in Promoting HIV Self-testing: Observational Cohort Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e35648. [PMID: 36149729 PMCID: PMC9591705 DOI: 10.2196/35648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Social media sites, dating apps, and information search sites have been used to reach individuals at high risk for HIV infection. However, it is not clear which platform is the most efficient in promoting home HIV self-testing, given that the users of various platforms may have different characteristics that impact their readiness for HIV testing. Objective This study aimed to compare the relative effectiveness of social media sites, dating apps, and information search sites in promoting HIV self-testing among minority men who have sex with men (MSM) at an increased risk of HIV infection. Test kit order rates were used as a proxy to evaluate promotion effectiveness. In addition, we assessed differences in characteristics between participants who ordered and did not order an HIV test kit. Methods Culturally appropriate advertisements were placed on popular sites of three different platforms: social media sites (Facebook, Instagram), dating apps (Grindr, Jack’D), and information search sites (Google, Bing). Advertisements targeted young (18-30 years old) and minority (Black or Latinx) MSM at risk of HIV exposure. Recruitment occurred in 2 waves, with each wave running advertisements on 1 platform of each type over the same period. Participants completed a baseline survey assessing sexual or injection use behavior, substance use including alcohol, psychological readiness to test, attitudes toward HIV testing and treatment, and HIV-related stigma. Participants received an electronic code to order a free home-based HIV self-test kit. Follow-up assessments were conducted to assess HIV self-test kit use and uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at 14 and 60 days post enrollment. Results In total, 271 participants were enrolled, and 254 were included in the final analysis. Among these 254 participants, 177 (69.7%) ordered a home HIV self-test kit. Most of the self-test kits were ordered by participants enrolled from dating apps. Due to waves with low enrollment, between wave statistical comparisons were not feasible. Within wave comparison revealed that Jack’D showed higher order rates (3.29 kits/day) compared to Instagram (0.34 kits/day) and Bing (0 kits/day). There were no associations among self-test kit ordering and HIV-related stigma, perceptions about HIV testing and treatment, and mistrust of medical organizations. Conclusions Our findings show that using popular dating apps might be an efficient way to promote HIV self-testing. Stigma, perceptions about HIV testing and treatment, or mistrust of medical organizations may not affect order rates of HIV test kits promoted on the internet. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04155502; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04155502 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/20417
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysovalantis Stafylis
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Gabriella Vavala
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Qiao Wang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Bethany McLeman
- Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Shea M Lemley
- Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Sean D Young
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Informatics, Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Haiyi Xie
- Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | | | - Neal Oden
- The Emmes Company LLC, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Leslie Revoredo
- Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | | | - Emily G Hichborn
- Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Erin McKelle
- Education, Training and Research Associates, Oakland, CA, United States
| | - Landhing M Moran
- Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Petra Jacobs
- National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Lisa A Marsch
- Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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18
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Sharpe JD, Sanchez TH, Siegler AJ, Guest JL, Sullivan PS. Association between the geographic accessibility of PrEP and PrEP use among MSM in nonurban areas. J Rural Health 2022; 38:948-959. [PMID: 34997634 PMCID: PMC9259757 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The US HIV epidemic has become a public health issue that increasingly affects men who have sex with men (MSM), including those residing in nonurban areas. Increasing access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in nonurban areas will prevent HIV acquisition and could address the growing HIV epidemic. No studies have quantified the associations between PrEP access and PrEP use among nonurban MSM. METHODS Using 2020 PrEP Locator data and American Men's Internet Survey data, we conducted multilevel log-binomial regression to examine the association between area-level geographic accessibility of PrEP-providing clinics and individual-level PrEP use among MSM residing in nonurban areas in the United States. FINDINGS Of 4,792 PrEP-eligible nonurban MSM, 20.1% resided in a PrEP desert (defined as more than a 30-minute drive to access PrEP), and 15.2% used PrEP in the past 12 months. In adjusted models, suburban MSM residing in PrEP deserts were less likely to use PrEP in the past year (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.15, 0.80) than suburban MSM not residing in PrEP deserts, and other nonurban MSM residing in PrEP deserts were less likely to use PrEP in the past year (aPR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.60, 0.95) than other nonurban MSM not residing in PrEP deserts. CONCLUSIONS Structural interventions designed to decrease barriers to PrEP access that are unique to nonurban areas in the United States are needed to address the growing HIV epidemic in these communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Danielle Sharpe
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Travis H. Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Aaron J. Siegler
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jodie L. Guest
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Patrick S. Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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19
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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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20
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Wang Y, Mitchell JW, Zhang C, Liu Y. Evidence and implication of interventions across various socioecological levels to address pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake and adherence among men who have sex with men in the United States: a systematic review. AIDS Res Ther 2022; 19:28. [PMID: 35754038 PMCID: PMC9233830 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-022-00456-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) represents a proven biomedical strategy to prevent HIV transmissions among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States (US). Despite the design and implementation of various PrEP-focus interventions in the US, aggregated evidence for enhancing PrEP uptake and adherence is lacking. The objective of this systematic review is to synthesize and evaluate interventions aimed to improve PrEP uptake and adherence among MSM in the US, and identify gaps with opportunities to inform the design and implementation of future PrEP interventions for these priority populations. METHODS We followed the PRISMA guidelines and conducted a systematic review of articles (published by November 28, 2021) with a focus on PrEP-related interventions by searching multiple databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science and PsycINFO). Details of PrEP interventions were characterized based on their socioecological level(s), implementation modalities, and stage(s) of PrEP cascade continuum. RESULTS Among the 1363 articles retrieved from multiple databases, 42 interventions identified from 47 publications met the inclusion criteria for this review. Most individual-level interventions were delivered via text messages and/or apps and incorporated personalized elements to tailor the intervention content on participants' demographic characteristics or HIV risk behaviors. Interpersonal-level interventions often employed peer mentors or social network strategies to enhance PrEP adoption among MSM of minority race. However, few interventions were implemented at the community-, healthcare/institution- or multiple levels. CONCLUSIONS Interventions that incorporate multiple socioecological levels hold promise to facilitate PrEP adoption and adherence among MSM in the US given their acceptability, feasibility, efficacy and effectiveness. Future PrEP interventions that simultaneously address PrEP-related barriers/facilitators across multiple socioecological levels should be enhanced with a focus to tackle contextual and structural barriers (e.g., social determinants of health, stigma or medical mistrust) at the community- and healthcare/institution-level to effectively promote PrEP use for MSM of color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jason W Mitchell
- Department of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Chen Zhang
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, 256 Crittenden Blvd, Ste. 3305, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
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21
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Jones J, Edwards OW, Merrill L, Sullivan PS, Stephenson R. Interest in mobile HIV prevention apps among sexual and gender minority persons living in the rural southern United States: A qualitative study (Preprint). JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e38075. [PMID: 35699980 PMCID: PMC9237777 DOI: 10.2196/38075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile health (mHealth) interventions, including smartphone apps, have been found to be an effective means of increasing the uptake of HIV prevention tools, including HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) tests and pre-exposure prophylaxis. However, most HIV prevention mHealth apps tested in the United States have been tested among populations living in areas surrounding urban centers. Owing to reduced access to broadband internet and reliable cellular data services, it remains unclear how accessible and effective these interventions will be in rural areas. In addition, gay and bisexual men who have sex with men and gender minority populations in rural areas experience enhanced stigma when compared with their more urban counterparts, and these experiences might affect their willingness and interest in mHealth apps. Objective This study aimed to conduct online focus groups with men who have sex with men and transgender and gender diverse populations in the rural southern United States to assess their interest in mHealth HIV prevention apps and the features that they would be the most interested in using. Methods Focus group participants were recruited from a larger pool of sexual and gender minority respondents to a web-based research survey. The participants indicated that they would be willing to participate in an online focus group discussion. Focus groups were conducted via secure Zoom (Zoom Video Communications Inc) videoconferencing. During the focus group discussions, participants were asked to discuss their experiences with HIV and STI prevention and how these experiences were affected by living in a rural area. They were then shown screenshots of a new app to promote HIV and STI prevention among rural populations and asked to provide their opinions on the app’s features. The transcripts of the discussions were reviewed and coded using a constant comparative approach. Results A total of 6 focus groups were conducted with 26 participants. Most participants were cisgender gay and bisexual men who have sex with men (19/26, 73%); the remaining participants were transgender men (2/26, 8%), were nonbinary people (2/26, 8%), or had multiple gender identities (3/26, 12%). Participants reported numerous barriers to accessing HIV and STI prevention services and accurate information about HIV and STI prevention options. Overall, the participants reported a high degree of interest in mHealth interventions for HIV and STI prevention and suggested several recommendations for the features of an app-based intervention that would be the most useful for rural residents. Conclusions These focus group discussions indicate that rural residence is not a major barrier to mHealth HIV and STI prevention intervention implementation and that there is a high degree of interest in these approaches to HIV and STI prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeb Jones
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - O Winslow Edwards
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Leland Merrill
- Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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22
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Abqari U, van 't Noordende AT, Richardus JH, Isfandiari MA, Korfage IJ. Strategies to promote the use of online health applications for early detection and raising awareness of chronic diseases among members of the general public: A systematic literature review. Int J Med Inform 2022; 162:104737. [PMID: 35358894 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2022.104737] [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: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Engagement is essential to achieve intended outcomes of online interventions, but achieving such engagement is a key challenge for many researchers and practitioners. This systematic literature review aims to identify strategies and tools to promote the use of online health interventions for early detection and raising awareness of chronic diseases among the public, and to investigate the evidence regarding the effectiveness of such strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a systematic search of seven electronic databases: Embase, Medline All Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Google Scholar. The study protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020200471). RESULTS The database search identified 8,526 articles, 47 were included in the review. Thirty-two studies reported strategies to promote the use of their online intervention, including online advertisements on social media (n = 17), a dating application (n = 10), and a website (n = 3). Social media were not only used for promotion of the intervention, but also as main intervention platform (n = 18). Seven studies reported traditional promotion methods such as printed advertisement and (offline) campaigns. Twenty-seven studies reported strategies to keep users engaged, including reminders (n = 12), sharing of posts on social media (n = 4), rewards (n = 3), weekly group discussions (n = 2), follow-up phone calls (n = 2), interactive games (n = 1), monthly quizzes (n = 1), links to provision of a test kit (n = 1), and a deposit-return system (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS No study conducted a formal evaluation of the effectiveness of the engagement strategies. Examining the effectiveness of engagement strategies is an important area for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulfah Abqari
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands; NLR Indonesia, JL Guntur No.22, RT.8/RW.1, Guntur, Kecamatan Setiabudi, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota, Jakarta 12980, Indonesia
| | - Anna Tiny van 't Noordende
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands; NLR, Wibautstraat 137k, 1097DN Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Jan Hendrik Richardus
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mohammad Atoillah Isfandiari
- Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Campus C Universitas Airlangga, Jalan Mulyosari Surabaya, 60186 Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Ida J Korfage
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Meiksin R, Melendez-Torres GJ, Miners A, Falconer J, Witzel TC, Weatherburn P, Bonell C. E-health interventions targeting STIs, sexual risk, substance use and mental health among men who have sex with men: four systematic reviews. PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.3310/brwr6308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted infections, sexual risk, substance (alcohol and other legal and illegal drugs) use and mental ill health constitute a ‘syndemic’ of mutually reinforcing epidemics among men who have sex with men. Electronic health (e-health) interventions addressing these epidemics among men who have sex with men might have multiplicative effects. To our knowledge, no systematic review has examined the effectiveness of such interventions on these epidemics among men who have sex with men.
Objective
The objective was to synthesise evidence addressing the following: (1) What approaches and theories of change do existing e-health interventions employ to prevent human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted infections, sexual risk, alcohol/drug use or mental ill health among men who have sex with men? (2) What factors influence implementation? (3) What are the effects of such interventions on the aforementioned epidemics? (4) Are such interventions cost-effective?
Data sources
A total of 24 information sources were searched initially (October–November 2018) [the following sources were searched: ProQuest Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts; Campbell Library; EBSCO Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature Plus, Wiley Online Library The Cochrane Library; Centre for Reviews and Dissemination databases (the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects and the NHS Economic Evaluation Database); the Health Technology Assessment database; Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre (EPPI-Centre) database of health promotion research (Bibliomap); ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global; OvidSP EconLit; OvidSP EMBASE; OvidSP Global Health; OvidSP Health Management Information Consortium; ProQuest International Bibliography of the Social Sciences; Ovid MEDLINE ALL; OvidSP PsycINFO; Web of Science Science Citation Index Expanded; Elsevier Scopus; OvidSP Social Policy & Practice; Web of Science Social Sciences Citation Index Expanded; ProQuest Sociological Abstracts; ClinicalTrials.gov; World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform; EPPI-Centre Trials Register of Promoting Health Interventions; and the OpenGrey database], and an updated search of 19 of these was conducted in April 2020. Reference lists of included reports were searched and experts were contacted.
Review methods
Eligible reports presented theories of change and/or process, outcome and/or economic evaluations of e-health interventions offering ongoing support to men who have sex with men to prevent human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted infections, sexual risk behaviour, alcohol/drug use and/or common mental illnesses. References were screened by title/abstract, then by full text. Data extraction and quality assessments used existing tools. Theory and process reports were synthesised using qualitative methods. Outcome and economic data were synthesised narratively; outcome data were meta-analysed.
Results
Original searches retrieved 27 eligible reports. Updated searches retrieved 10 eligible reports. Thirty-seven reports on 28 studies of 23 interventions were included: 33 on theories of change, 12 on process evaluations, 16 on outcome evaluations and one on an economic evaluation. Research question 1: five intervention types were identified – ‘online modular’, ‘computer games’ and ‘non-interactive’ time-limited/modular interventions, and open-ended interventions with ‘content organised by assessment’ and ‘general content’. Three broad types of intervention theories of change were identified, focusing on ‘cognitive/skills’, ‘self-monitoring’ and ‘cognitive therapy’. Research question 2: individual tailoring based on participant characteristics was particularly acceptable, and participants valued intervention content reflecting their experiences. Research question 3: little evidence was available of effects on human immunodeficiency virus or sexually transmitted infections. The analysis did not suggest that interventions were effective in reducing instances of human immunodeficiency virus or sexually transmitted infections. The overall meta-analysis for sexually transmitted infections reported a small non-significant increase in sexually transmitted infections in the intervention group, compared with the control group. Meta-analyses found a significant impact on sexual risk behaviour. The findings for drug use could not be meta-analysed because of study heterogeneity. Studies addressing this outcome did not present consistent evidence of effectiveness. Trials did not report effects on alcohol use or mental health. Research question 4: evidence on cost-effectiveness was limited.
Limitations
The quality of the eligible reports was variable and the economic synthesis was limited to one eligible study.
Conclusions
There is commonality in intervention theories of change and factors affecting receipt of e-health interventions. Evidence on effectiveness is limited.
Future work
Future trials should assess the impact of interventions on multiple syndemic factors, among them sexual risk, substance use and mental health; incorporate sufficient follow-up and sample sizes to detect the impact on human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted infections; and incorporate rigorous process and economic evaluations.
Study registration
This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42018110317.
Funding
This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 10, No. 4. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Meiksin
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Alec Miners
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jane Falconer
- Library, Archive and Open Research Services, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - T Charles Witzel
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Chris Bonell
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Budhwani H, Kiszla BM, Hightow-Weidman LB. Adapting digital health interventions for the evolving HIV landscape: examples to support prevention and treatment research. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2022; 17:112-118. [PMID: 35225251 PMCID: PMC9833493 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although many HIV prevention and/or treatment digital health interventions (DHIs) have shown feasibility and acceptability, fewer have indicated efficacy, and only a subset have been adapted for new contexts. Adaptation is a key element of pragmatic implementation science research. Adaptation is cost effective and time efficient compared with new development. Leveraging adaptation can lead to accelerated scale-up and enhanced public health impact. Considering the value of adaptation, the purpose of this piece is to present examples of DHI to DHI adaptation sequences to inform future HIV prevention and/or treatment research. RECENT FINDINGS From an examination of recent academic articles (01 November 2016 to 31 October 2021), we identified adaptation sequences that included an original DHI with at least two adaptations. Four models are presented herein; examples consist of adapted DHIs for new population, health outcome, geography, or a combination thereof. SUMMARY Adaptation is a promising scientific approach to expeditiously respond to the evolving HIV landscape. We present examples of DHI adaptations alongside considerations for each type of adaptation; we also present adaptation challenges with responsive strategies. We suggest when conducted with attention to rigor (leveraging adaptation frameworks, community engagement, and tailoring content), adaptation is a powerful tool to pragmatically address the HIV epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henna Budhwani
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Public Health, Birmingham, AL 35294
| | - B. Matthew Kiszla
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294
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25
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Sullivan PS, Stephenson R, Hirshfield S, Mehta CC, Zahn R, Bauermeister JA, Horvath K, Chiasson MA, Gelaude D, Mullin S, Downing MJ, Olansky EJ, Wiatrek S, Rogers EQ, Rosenberg E, Siegler AJ, Mansergh G. Behavioral Efficacy of a Sexual Health Mobile App for Men Who Have Sex With Men: Randomized Controlled Trial of Mobile Messaging for Men. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e34574. [PMID: 35025755 PMCID: PMC8851328 DOI: 10.2196/34574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Sean Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Rob Stephenson
- Department of Systems, Population, and Leadership, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Sabina Hirshfield
- Special Treatment and Research Program, Department of Medicine, The State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
| | - Cyra Christina Mehta
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, NY, United States
| | - Ryan Zahn
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jose A Bauermeister
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennslyvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Keith Horvath
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Mary Ann Chiasson
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Deborah Gelaude
- HIV Research Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Shelby Mullin
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Martin J Downing
- Department of Psychology, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Evelyn Jolene Olansky
- HIV Research Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Social & Scientific Systems, Inc, DLH Holdings Company, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Sarah Wiatrek
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Erin Q Rogers
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Systems, Population, and Leadership, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Eli Rosenberg
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Aaron J Siegler
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Gordon Mansergh
- HIV Research Branch, Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
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26
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Sullivan PS, Siegler AJ. What will it take to meet UNAIDS targets for preexposure prophylaxis users? Curr Opin Infect Dis 2022; 35:1-8. [PMID: 34879049 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a critical strategy to curb new HIV infections globally. National and global targets have been set for people starting PrEP. However, global PrEP initiations fell short of UNAIDS 2020 targets, and reflection is needed on how we set and meet targets for PrEP use. RECENT FINDINGS Recent literature documents challenges to meeting ambitious goals for PrEP coverage in multiple phases of PrEP: PrEP initiations are limited by gaps in the identification of those who might benefit from PrEP. Conversely, getting PrEP to those who need it most is threatened by inaccurate risk perception and HIV and PrEP stigma. Once people are on PrEP, a substantial number discontinue PrEP in the first year (the 'PrEP Cliff'), a finding that is robust across groups of PrEP users (e.g., women, men who have sex with men, transwomen) and across global prevention settings. Further, PrEP inequities - by which we refer to utilization of PrEP in a specific group that is not commensurate with their epidemic risk - threaten the overall population benefit of PrEP because those at highest risk of acquiring HIV are not adequately protected. SUMMARY To realize global goals for PrEP utilization and impact, we must address multiple points of PrEP delivery programs that address not just PrEP starts, but also retention in PrEP and measurement and accountability to PrEP equity. We call for new approaches to better identify PrEP candidates, suggest additional research to address the known and consistent reasons for PrEP discontinuations, and advocate for metrics to measure and be accountable to PrEP equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Sean Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Trang K, Le LX, Brown CA, To MQ, Sullivan PS, Jovanovic T, Worthman CM, Giang LM. Feasibility, Acceptability, and Design of a Mobile Ecological Momentary Assessment for High-Risk Men Who Have Sex With Men in Hanoi, Vietnam: Qualitative Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e30360. [PMID: 35084340 PMCID: PMC8950985 DOI: 10.2196/30360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at a disproportionate risk for HIV infection and common mental disorders worldwide. In the context of HIV, common mental disorders are important and are frequent drivers of suboptimal prevention and treatment outcomes. Mobile ecological momentary assessments (EMAs), or the repeated sampling of people’s behaviors and psychological states in their daily lives using mobile phones, can clarify the triggers and HIV-related sequelae of depressive-anxious symptoms and contribute toward the design of ecological momentary interventions (EMIs) that cater to the contextually varying needs of individuals to optimize prevention and treatment outcomes. Objective This study aims to characterize the feasibility and acceptability of mobile EMA among high-risk MSM in Hanoi, Vietnam. It aims to evaluate the perceived relevance, usability, and concerns of this group with regard to the content and delivery of mobile EMA and the potential of leveraging such platforms in the future to deliver EMIs. Methods Between January and April 2018, a total of 46 participants were recruited. The participants completed 6 to 8 mobile EMA surveys daily for 7 days. Surveys occurred once upon waking, 4 to 6 times throughout the day, and once before sleeping. All surveys queried participants’ perceived safety, social interactions, psychological state, and mental health symptoms. The morning survey further queried on sleep and medication use within the past 24 hours, whereas the night survey queried on sexual activity and substance use and allowed participants to share an audio recording of a stressful experience they had that day. At the end of the week, participants were interviewed about their experiences with using the app. Results Participants completed an average of 21.7 (SD 12.7) prompts over the 7-day period. Excluding nonresponders, the average compliance rate was 61.8% (SD 26.6%). A thematic analysis of qualitative interviews suggested an overall positive reception of the app and 5 recurring themes, which were centered on the relevance of psychological and behavioral items to daily experiences (eg, mental health symptoms and audio recording), benefits of using the app (eg, increased self-understanding), worries and concerns (eg, privacy), usability (eg, confusion about the interface), and recommendations for future design (eg, integrating more open-ended questions). Conclusions Mobile EMA is feasible and acceptable among young MSM in Vietnam; however, more research is needed to adapt EMA protocols to this context and enhance compliance. Most participants eagerly provided information about their mental health status and daily activities. As several participants looked toward the app for further mental health and psychosocial support, EMIs have the potential to reduce HIV and mental health comorbidity among MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Trang
- Global TIES for Children, New York University, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Lam X Le
- Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Margaret Q To
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Tanja Jovanovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Carol M Worthman
- Department of Anthropology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Le Minh Giang
- Department of Epidemiology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Elorreaga OA, Torres TS, Vega-Ramirez EH, Konda KA, Hoagland B, Benedetti M, Pimenta C, Diaz-Sosa D, Robles-Garcia R, Grinsztejn B, Caceres CF, Veloso VG. Awareness, willingness and barriers to HIV Self-testing (HIVST) among Men who Have Sex with Men (MSM) in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru: A web-based cross-sectional study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000678. [PMID: 36962436 PMCID: PMC10021908 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
HIV self-testing (HIVST) is an essential tool within the combined HIV prevention package and has been available in Latin America since 2015. However, HIVST use among key populations remains low. This study describes awareness, willingness, and barriers to HIVST among MSM in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru. A cross-sectional web-based survey was advertised in two geosocial networking apps (Grindr and Hornet) and Facebook in 2018. We included cisgender men ≥18 years old who self-reported HIV-negative status. We used multivariable Poisson regression models to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) to assess the factors associated with willingness to use HIVST for each country. A total of 18,916 completed the survey, 59% from Brazil, 30% from Mexico, and 11% from Peru. Overall, 20% of MSM had never tested for HIV. Awareness and willingness to use HIVST were higher in Brazil than in Peru and Mexico (p < .001). Across the countries, the patterns of association of willingness with HIVST barriers were similar. Most participants think post-test counseling is essential and that dealing with a positive result would be difficult (aPR 1.13 to 1.37, range of aPRs across the three countries). Having the knowledge to deal with a positive HIVST resulted in increased willingness to use HIVST (aPR range: 1.11 to 1.22), while a lack of trust in HIVST compared to HIV testing in clinics was inversely associated (aPR range: 0.80 to 0.90). In general, willingness to use HIVST was associated with higher income (aPR range: 1.49 to 1.97), higher education (aPR range: 1.13 to 1.42), and willingness to use PrEP (aPR range: 1.19 to 1.72). Efforts to increase HIVST knowledge and resolve perceived barriers are warranted, especially among MSM with lower income and education from Brazil, Mexico, and Peru. Personalized virtual counseling could be crucial among this population. In addition, those willing to use HIVST are also willing to use PrEP. It indicates that HIVST delivery could be incorporated into PrEP programs within the Brazilian Public Health System and eventually in Mexico and Peru.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver A Elorreaga
- Centro de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Sexualidad Sida y Sociedad, UPCH, Lima, Peru
| | - Thiago S Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Kelika A Konda
- Centro de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Sexualidad Sida y Sociedad, UPCH, Lima, Peru
| | - Brenda Hoagland
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcos Benedetti
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristina Pimenta
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Dulce Diaz-Sosa
- National Institute of Psychiatry Ramon de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico DF, Mexico
| | | | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos F Caceres
- Centro de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Sexualidad Sida y Sociedad, UPCH, Lima, Peru
| | - Valdilea G Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Wu HJ, Yu YF, Ku SWW, Tseng YC, Yuan CW, Li CW, Huang PH, Ko NY, Anderson PL, Strong C. Usability and effectiveness of adherence monitoring of a mobile app designed to monitor and improve adherence to event-driven and daily HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men in Taiwan. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221102770. [PMID: 35646378 PMCID: PMC9131382 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221102770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The UPrEPU mobile app is a self-monitoring system to enable men who have sex with men to optimize their pre-exposure prophylaxis adherence for HIV prevention. The app was designed to accommodate a rather complicated event-driven dosing schedule. We aim to evaluate the usability of the UPrEPU app and its effectiveness in improving adherence monitoring. Methods From May to October 2020, 35 participants were enrolled for the usability study and followed up for 4 months. Blood samples for the drug concentration in the dried blood spots were obtained once during the second to fourth follow-up visits. The effectiveness of adherence monitoring was analyzed using Cohen's kappa statistic to calculate the concordance between the average number of pills taken and drug concentration in the dried blood spots. Results Overall retention was 91.4% (32 participants) at the end of the study. Participants used the app for a mean of 29 days and made 2565 data entries in total, with an average of 76 data entries. The average systematic usability scale score for the app was 71.5, indicating acceptable usability. Slight agreement was reached between the dried blood spots measurement and the number of pills taken and recorded in the app (weighted kappa: 0.21). Conclusions Our user-centered UPrEPU app demonstrated that it could accommodate both daily and event-driven dosing schedules for men who have sex with men clients with acceptable usability scores. We confirmed that complex behaviors such as different drug-dosing regimens that are contingent on sexual behaviors could be incorporated into the design of a mobile app.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huei-Jiuan Wu
- UNSW Sydney, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yi-Fang Yu
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Stephane Wen-Wei Ku
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Taipei City Hospital Renai Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Chi Tseng
- Institute of Service Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Wen Yuan
- Graduate Institute of Library & Information Studies, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wen Li
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Po-Hsien Huang
- Department of Psychology, National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nai-Ying Ko
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Peter L. Anderson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado - Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Carol Strong
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Soares YKDC, Araújo TMED, Borges JWP, Andrade EMLR, Oliveira ADDS, Fronteira I. Efeito do uso de aplicativo móvel no conhecimento sobre vírus da imunodeficiência humana entre universitários. Rev Gaucha Enferm 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1983-1447.2022.20210230.pt] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do uso de aplicativo móvel no conhecimento sobre vírus da imunodeficiência humana entre universitários. Método: Estudo de intervenção do tipo antes e depois, com 196 universitários, no período de agosto a dezembro de 2018. A intervenção consistiu no uso do aplicativo móvel educ@aids por 15 dias. Foram realizadas análises univariadas, por meio de estatísticas descritivas simples e para comparação do conhecimento antes e após intervenção foi utilizado o Teste de McNemar. Resultados: Houve melhora no conhecimento após uso do educ@aids nas variáveis relacionadas ao conhecimento acerca da transmissão do vírus; conhecimento acerca do tratamento, cura e prevenção; conhecimento de outras informações sobre o vírus da imunodeficiência humana. Conclusão: O uso do educ@aids aumentou o conhecimento sobre o vírus da imunodeficiência humana entre os universitários da saúde.
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Soares YKDC, Araújo TMED, Borges JWP, Andrade EMLR, Oliveira ADDS, Fronteira I. Effect of mobile application use on knowledge about human immunodeficiency virus among university students. Rev Gaucha Enferm 2022; 43:e20210230. [DOI: 10.1590/1983-1447.2022.20210230.en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effect of using a mobile application on knowledge about human immunodeficiency virus among university students. Method: A before-and-after intervention study, with 196 university students, from August to December 2018. The intervention consisted of using the educ@aids mobile application for 15 days. Univariate analyzes were performed using simple descriptive statistics and the McNemar test was used to compare knowledge before and after the intervention. Results: There was an improvement in knowledge after using educ@aids in the variables related to knowledge about the transmission of the virus; knowledge about treatment, cure and prevention; knowledge of other information about human immunodeficiency virus. Conclusion: The use of educ@aids increased knowledge about the human immunodeficiency virus among health university students.
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Shrestha R, Fisher C, Wickersham JA, Khati A, Kim R, Azwa I, Mistler C, Goldsamt L. Privacy and Confidentiality Concerns Related to the Use of mHealth Apps for HIV Prevention Efforts Among Malaysian Men Who Have Sex With Men: Cross-sectional Survey Study. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e28311. [PMID: 34924355 PMCID: PMC8726055 DOI: 10.2196/28311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of mobile health (mHealth), including smartphone apps, can improve the HIV prevention cascade for key populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM). In Malaysia, where stigma and discrimination toward MSM are high, the mHealth platform has the potential to open new frontiers for HIV prevention efforts. However, little guidance is available to inform researchers about privacy and confidentiality concerns unique to the development and implementation of app-based HIV prevention programs. OBJECTIVE Given the lack of empirical data in this area, we aim to understand the privacy and confidentiality concerns associated with participation in a hypothetical app-based research study for HIV prevention efforts. METHODS A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted between June and July 2020 among 355 Malaysian MSM. The survey included demographic and sexual health questions and a series of short videos describing a hypothetical app-based HIV prevention program, followed by questions related to privacy and confidentiality concerns in each step of the app-based program (ie, recruitment, clinical interaction, risk assessment, and weekly reminder). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify the correlates of willingness to use such an app-based program. RESULTS Most of the participants (266/355, 74.9%) indicated their willingness to participate in a hypothetical mHealth app-based HIV prevention program. Participants expressed concerns about privacy, confidentiality, data security, and risks and benefits of participating in all stages of the app-based HIV research process. Multivariate analyses indicated that participants who had a higher degree of perceived participation benefits (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.873; 95% CI 1.274-2.755; P=.001) were more willing to participate. In contrast, participants who had increased concerns about app-based clinical interaction and e-prescription (aOR 0.610; 95% CI 0.445-0.838; P=.002) and those who had a higher degree of perceived risks of participating (aOR 0.731; 95% CI 0.594-0.899; P=.003) were less willing to participate. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results indicate that mHealth app-based HIV prevention programs are acceptable for future research on Malaysian MSM. The findings further highlighted the role of privacy and confidentiality, as well as the associated risks and benefits associated with participation in such a program. Given the ever-evolving nature of such technological platforms and the complex ethical-legal landscape, such platforms must be safe and secure to ensure widespread public trust and uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Shrestha
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Celia Fisher
- Center for Ethics Education, Fordham University, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Antoine Khati
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Rayne Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Iskandar Azwa
- Department of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Colleen Mistler
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
| | - Lloyd Goldsamt
- Rory Meyers School of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, United States
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Kudrati SZ, Hayashi K, Taggart T. Social Media & PrEP: A Systematic Review of Social Media Campaigns to Increase PrEP Awareness & Uptake Among Young Black and Latinx MSM and Women. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:4225-4234. [PMID: 33939035 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03287-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been shown to be highly effective at reducing the risk of HIV. Despite efforts to employ various social marketing strategies to promote PrEP among young people at greater risk for HIV, PrEP awareness and uptake remain low. We conducted a comprehensive review of current literature that presents or evaluates the use of social media and/or specific communication campaigns to increase PrEP awareness among young Black and Latinx men who have sex with men (MSM) and women. Eight articles met the inclusion criteria for the final analysis. The most used platforms included Facebook, Instagram, and custom mobile applications. Social media is a dynamic and promising tool that may be used to increase PrEP awareness, uptake, and adherence among young Black and Latinx MSM and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakina Z Kudrati
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Kamden Hayashi
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tamara Taggart
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Kakalou C, Polychronidou E, Drosou V, Dimitriadis VK, Dermaris T, Kordonias R, Papaprodromou A, Tsirelis T, Maramis C, Votis K, Tzovaras D, Savarino D, Maffeo M, Jasic N, Nemeth-Blažić T, Dominković Z, Pogledić D, Jovovic I, Simkunaite-Zazecke A, Stoniene L, Sammut A, Cosmaro L, Natsiavas P. RiskRadar: development and pilot results of a technical intervention targeting combination prevention regarding HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:866. [PMID: 34517826 PMCID: PMC8436870 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06501-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The HIV pandemic impacts the lives of millions and despite the global coordinated response, innovative actions are still needed to end it. A major challenge is the added burden of coinfections such as viral hepatitis, tuberculosis and various sexually transmitted infections in terms of prevention, treatment and increased morbidity in individuals with HIV infection. A need for combination prevention strategies, tailored to high-risk key populations arises and technology-based interventions can be a valuable asset. The COVID-19 pandemic challenged the delivery of existing services and added stress to existing public health and clinical structures but also highlighted the potential of exploiting technical solutions for interventions regarding infectious diseases. In this paper we report the design process, results and evaluation findings from the pilots of ‘RiskRadar’—a web and mobile application aiming to support combination prevention, testing and linkage to care for HIV, viral hepatitis, various sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis. Methods RiskRadar was developed for the INTEGRATE Joint Action’s aim to improve, adapt and pilot innovative digital tools for combination prevention. RiskRadar was designed iteratively using informed end-user-oriented approaches. Emphasis was placed on the Risk Calculator that enables users to assess their risk of exposure to one or more of the four disease areas, make informed decisions to seek testing or care and adjust their behaviours ultimately aiming to harm/risk reduction. RiskRadar has been piloted in three countries, namely Croatia, Italy and Lithuania. Results RiskRadar has been used 1347 times across all platforms so far. More than 90% of users have found RiskRadar useful and would use it again, especially the Risk Calculator component. Almost 49.25% are men and 29.85% are in the age group of 25–34. The application has scored 5.2/7 in the User Experience Questionnaire, where it is mainly described as “supportive” and “easy-to-use”. The qualitative evaluation of RiskRadar also yielded positive feedback. Conclusions Pilot results demonstrate above average satisfaction with RiskRadar and high user-reported usability scores, supporting the idea that technical interventions could significantly support combination prevention actions on Sexually Transmitted Infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Kakalou
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Eleftheria Polychronidou
- Information Technologies Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vicky Drosou
- Information Technologies Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vlasios K Dimitriadis
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Thomas Dermaris
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Rafael Kordonias
- Information Technologies Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Aris Papaprodromou
- Information Technologies Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Triantafillos Tsirelis
- Information Technologies Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christos Maramis
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Votis
- Information Technologies Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Tzovaras
- Information Technologies Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Domenico Savarino
- Fondazione LILA Milano - Italian League for Fighting AIDS, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuel Maffeo
- Arcigay - Associazione LGBTI Italiana, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Iva Jovovic
- Life Quality Improvement Organisation "Flight", Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Loreta Stoniene
- RPLC Republican Center for Addictive Disorders, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Antonella Sammut
- Public Mental Health Services. Ministry for Health, Valletta, Malta
| | - Lella Cosmaro
- Fondazione LILA Milano - Italian League for Fighting AIDS, Milan, Italy
| | - Pantelis Natsiavas
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
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McGuire M, de Waal A, Karellis A, Janssen R, Engel N, Sampath R, Carmona S, Zwerling AA, Suarez MF, Pai NP. HIV self-testing with digital supports as the new paradigm: A systematic review of global evidence (2010-2021). EClinicalMedicine 2021; 39:101059. [PMID: 34430835 PMCID: PMC8367787 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV self-testing (HIVST) is recommended by the WHO as an innovative strategy to reach UNAIDS targets to end HIV by 2030. HIVST with digital supports is defined as the use of digital interventions (e.g., website-based, social media, mobile HIVST applications (apps), text messaging (SMS), digital vending machines (digital VMs)) to improve the efficiency and impact of HIVST. HIVST deployment and integration in health services is an emerging priority. We conducted a systematic review aiming to close the gap in evidence that summarizes the impact of digitally supported HIVST and to inform policy recommendations. METHODS We searched PubMed and Embase for articles and abstracts on HIVST with digital supports published during the period February 1st, 2010 to June 15th, 2021, following Cochrane guidelines and PRISMA methodology. We assessed feasibility, acceptability, preference, and impact outcomes across all populations and study designs. Metrics reported were willingness to use HIVST, preferences for HIVST delivery, proportion of first-time testers, HIVST uptake, HIVST kit return rate, and linkage to care. Heterogeneity of the interventions and reported metrics precluded us from conducting a meta-analysis. FINDINGS 46 studies were narratively synthesized, of which 72% were observational and 28% were RCTs. Half of all studies (54%, 25/46) assessed web-based innovations (e.g., study websites, videos, chatbots), followed by social media (26%, 12/46), HIVST-specific apps (7%, 3/46), SMS (9%, 4/46), and digital VMs (4%, 2/46). Web-based innovations were found to be acceptable (77-97%), preferred over in-person and hybrid options by more first-time testers (47-48%), highly feasible (93-95%), and were overall effective in supporting linkage to care (53-100%). Social media and app-based innovations also had high acceptability (87-95%) and linkage to care proportions (80-100%). SMS innovations increased kit return rates (54-94%) and HIVST uptake among hard-to-reach groups. Finally, digital VMs were highly acceptable (54-93%), and HIVST uptake was six times greater when using digital VMs compared to distribution by community workers. INTERPRETATION HIVST with digital supports was deemed feasible, acceptable, preferable, and was shown to increase uptake, engage first-time testers and hard-to-reach populations, and successfully link participants to treatment. Findings pave the way for greater use of HIVST interventions with digital supports globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison McGuire
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, 1020 Pine Ave W, Montreal, QC H3A 1A2, Canada
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, 5252 blvd de Maisonneuve W., Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Anna de Waal
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, 1020 Pine Ave W, Montreal, QC H3A 1A2, Canada
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, 5252 blvd de Maisonneuve W., Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Angela Karellis
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, 5252 blvd de Maisonneuve W., Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, 3605 rue de la Montagne, Montréal, QC H3G 2M1, Canada
| | - Ricky Janssen
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society, Maastricht University, Postbus 616 6200 MD, Maastricht, the Netherland
| | - Nora Engel
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society, Maastricht University, Postbus 616 6200 MD, Maastricht, the Netherland
| | - Rangarajan Sampath
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Chemin des Mines 9, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Sergio Carmona
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Chemin des Mines 9, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Alice Anne Zwerling
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z, Canada
| | | | - Nitika Pant Pai
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, 5252 blvd de Maisonneuve W., Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, 3605 rue de la Montagne, Montréal, QC H3G 2M1, Canada
- Corresponding author at: The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, 5252 blvd de Maisonneuve W., Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
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Romero RA, Klausner JD, Marsch LA, Young SD. Technology-Delivered Intervention Strategies to Bolster HIV Testing. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 18:391-405. [PMID: 34109549 PMCID: PMC8188945 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-021-00565-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, there have been more than 75 million cases. Currently, there about 1.2 million living with HIV in the USA. Despite current testing recommendations, test rates continue to be suboptimal. Investigators have studied the use of digital technology to promote HIV testing, especially among high-risk populations. PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This non-systematic review provides an overview of the scientific research between 2015 and 2020 focused on the use of digital technology to bolster HIV testing and suggests novel technologies for exploration. RECENT FINDINGS: A total of 40 studies were included in the review that span a wide range of available technology. Studies effectively increased HIV testing among study participants. Generally, participants in the intervention/exposure groups had significantly higher rates of HIV test uptake compared to participants in the comparison groups at study follow-up. For a variety of reasons (e.g., differences in ways the technologies were used and study design), no digital tool clearly performed better than others, but each have the capacity to increase outreach and self-testing. An exploration of the potential use of nascent technologies is also discussed, as well as the authors' experiences using a number of these technologies in our research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina A Romero
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- Division of Disease Prevention, Policy and Global Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lisa A Marsch
- Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Sean D Young
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Department of Informatics, University of California, Irvine, 6091 Bren Hall, Irvine, CA, 92617, USA.
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Lockhart E, Turner D, Ficek J, Livingston T, Logan RG, Marhefka SL. Understanding Technology Fit Among People with HIV Based on Intersections of Race, Sex, and Sexual Behavior: An Equitable Approach to Analyzing Differences Across Multiple Social Identities. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:2618-2629. [PMID: 33751311 PMCID: PMC7982513 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03223-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
HIV disproportionately impacts individuals based on intersecting categories (e.g. gender, race/ethnicity, behavior), with groups most at-risk deemed priority populations. Using weighted effects coding to account for differential group sizes, this study used multilevel mixed logistic models to investigate differences in eHealth use and willingness to use eHealth for HIV-related information among priority populations. Compared to the sample average, Black men who had sex with women were less likely to use all technologies except cellphones with text-messaging and less likely to be willing to use computers and tablets. White and Hispanic men who had sex with men were more likely to use all technologies. No significant differences existed for use or willingness to use cellphones with text-messaging. Future research should consider approaches used here to account for equity and multiple intersecting social identities; practitioners may use these findings or similar local data to ensure fit between eHealth programs and priority populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Lockhart
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - DeAnne Turner
- Yale AIDS Prevention Training Program (Y-APT), Center for Interdisciplinary Research On AIDS (CIRA), Yale University, 135 College St. Suite 200, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Joseph Ficek
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Taylor Livingston
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 816 Oldfather Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68588-0368, USA
| | | | - Stephanie L Marhefka
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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Flynn G, Scherr T, Garofalo R, Kuhns LM, Bushover B, Nash N, Davis R, Schnall R. Usability Evaluation of the mLab App for Improving Home HIV Testing Behaviors in Youth at Risk of HIV Infection. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2021; 33:312-324. [PMID: 34370566 PMCID: PMC8487399 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2021.33.4.312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Improving access to HIV testing among youth at high risk is essential for reaching those who are most at risk for HIV and least likely to access health care services. This study evaluates the usability of mLab, an app with image-processing feature that analyzes photos of OraQuick HIV self-tests and provides real-time, personalized feedback. mLab includes HIV prevention information, testing reminders, and instructions. It was developed through iterative feedback with a youth advisory board (N = 8). The final design underwent heuristic (N = 5) and end-user testing (N = 20). Experts rated mLab following Nielsen's heuristic checklist. End-users used the Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale. While there were some usability problems, overall study participants found mLab useful and user-friendly. This study provides important insights into using a mobile app with imaging for interpreting HIV test results with the goal of improving HIV testing and prevention in populations at high risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Flynn
- University of South Florida, College of Public Health, 4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Thomas Scherr
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, 2201 West End Ave, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, USA
| | - Robert Garofalo
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Lurie Children’s Hospital, & Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 1440 N. Dayton Street, Chicago, Illinois 60642 USA
| | - Lisa M. Kuhns
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Lurie Children’s Hospital, & Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 1440 N. Dayton Street, Chicago, Illinois 60642 USA
| | - Brady Bushover
- Division of Scholarship and Research, Columbia University School of Nursing, 560 West 168th Street, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Nathanael Nash
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Lurie Children’s Hospital, & Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 1440 N. Dayton Street, Chicago, Illinois 60642 USA
| | - Rindcy Davis
- H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 West 168 Street, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Rebecca Schnall
- Division of Scholarship and Research, Columbia University School of Nursing, 560 West 168th Street, New York, New York 10032, USA
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Nelson KM, Perry NS, Horvath KJ, Smith LR. A systematic review of mHealth interventions for HIV prevention and treatment among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Transl Behav Med 2021; 10:1211-1220. [PMID: 33044531 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibaa007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of mobile health (mHealth) technologies addressing HIV disparities among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) has increased. A systematic review of mHealth interventions for HIV prevention and treatment among GBMSM was conducted to summarize the current evidence and provide recommendations for future research. PRISMA guidelines were followed (PROSPERO ID: 148452). Studies identified via PubMed, PsychInfo, or Embase were included that (i) were in English, (ii) were published in a peer-reviewed journal prior to July 1, 2019, (iii) presented primary results, (iv) included only GBMSM, and (v) reported the results of an mHealth intervention (e.g., text message, phone/mobile application [app]) to improve HIV prevention or treatment outcomes. Of 1,636 identified abstracts, 16 published studies met inclusion criteria. Eleven studies were conducted in the United States. One study was a fully powered randomized controlled trial (RCT), seven were single-arm pilots with pre-post assessments, four were pilot RCTs, and four tested public health campaigns with post-assessments. Seven developed study-specific apps, five used text messaging, and four used existing social networking apps. Most (81%) targeted prevention outcomes. Nine cited a specific behavioral theory. All studies found that a mHealth approach was feasible and acceptable. All interventions provided evidence of preliminary efficacy or promising trends on primary outcomes. Although mHealth interventions for HIV prevention and treatment appear feasible and acceptable, most published studies are small pilot trials. Additional research assessing the efficacy and mechanisms of mHealth interventions is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly M Nelson
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas S Perry
- Centers for Behavioral and Preventative Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Keith J Horvath
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Laramie R Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, UC San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Resnick D, Schapira MM, Smith JM, Bautista A, Xu C, Jones L, Aysola J. Promoting Collaborative Goal Setting for Cancer Prevention Among Primary Care Patients Through mHealth: Mixed Methods Evaluation of a New App. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e22510. [PMID: 34259162 PMCID: PMC8319782 DOI: 10.2196/22510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many newly diagnosed cancers are associated with modifiable lifestyle behaviors, such as diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and maintaining a healthy weight. However, primary care providers rarely discuss cancer prevention behaviors with their patients. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the usability, acceptability, and user engagement of the Healthier Together mobile app, which is designed to promote cancer prevention behaviors among non-Hispanic Black primary care patients, by using social networks and goal-setting theories of behavior change. METHODS In an 8-week pilot study, we enrolled primary care patients (N=41) and provided them with a cancer prevention mobile app that allowed them to select, track, and share progress on cancer prevention goals with other users. App usability was assessed using the System Usability Scale. We assessed the app's acceptability by qualitatively analyzing open-ended responses regarding participants' overall experience with the app. We assessed participants' engagement by analyzing the built-in data capture device, which included the number of times participants checked in (out of a maximum of 8) during the study. RESULTS The mean age of the 41 participants was 51 years (SD 12), and 76% (31/41) were women. App use data were captured from all participants, and 83% (34/41) completed the exit survey and interview. The mean System Usability Scale score was 87 (SD 12; median 90; IQR 78-95). The analysis of open-ended responses revealed several key themes, and participants complemented the app's ease of use and health behavior-promoting features while also commenting on the need for more feedback and social interactions through the app. On average, participants checked in 5.7 times (SD 2.7) out of 8 possible opportunities. Of the 41 participants, 76% (31/41) checked in during at least 4 of the 8 weeks. Secondary analyses revealed that participants often accomplished their set goals (mean 5.1, SD 2.7) for each week. The qualitative analysis of comments given by participants within the app after each weekly check-in revealed several themes on how the app assisted participants in behavioral change, highlighting that some participants created exercise programs, ate healthier foods, lost a significant amount of weight, and stopped smoking during this study. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of a mobile cancer prevention goal-setting app in a primary care setting was feasible, and the app achieved high usability, acceptability, and engagement among participants. User feedback revealed an influence on health behaviors. These findings suggest the promise of the Healthier Together app in facilitating behavioral change to reduce cancer risk among non-Hispanic Black primary care patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Resnick
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Penn Medicine Center for Health Equity Advancement, Office of the Chief Medical Officer, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Marilyn M Schapira
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- The Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Michael J Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jazmine M Smith
- Penn Medicine Center for Health Equity Advancement, Office of the Chief Medical Officer, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Allison Bautista
- Penn Medicine Center for Health Equity Advancement, Office of the Chief Medical Officer, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Chang Xu
- Penn Medicine Center for Health Equity Advancement, Office of the Chief Medical Officer, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Office of Inclusion and Diversity, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Liz Jones
- Transmogrify, Conshohocken, PA, United States
| | - Jaya Aysola
- Penn Medicine Center for Health Equity Advancement, Office of the Chief Medical Officer, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Office of Inclusion and Diversity, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Santa Maria D, Padhye N, Businelle M, Yang Y, Jones J, Sims A, Lightfoot M. Efficacy of a Just-in-Time Adaptive Intervention to Promote HIV Risk Reduction Behaviors Among Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e26704. [PMID: 34255679 PMCID: PMC8292946 DOI: 10.2196/26704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People experiencing homelessness have higher rates of HIV than those who are stably housed. Mental health needs, substance use problems, and issues unique to homelessness such as lack of shelter and transiency need to be considered with regard to HIV prevention. To date, HIV prevention interventions for young adults experiencing homelessness have not specifically addressed modifiable real-time factors such as stress, sexual or drug use urge, or substance use, or been delivered at the time of heightened risk. Real-time, personalized HIV prevention messages may reduce HIV risk behaviors. OBJECTIVE This pilot study tested the initial efficacy of an innovative, smartphone-based, just-in-time adaptive intervention that assessed predictors of HIV risk behaviors in real time and automatically provided behavioral feedback and goal attainment information. METHODS A randomized attention control design was used among young adults experiencing homelessness, aged 18-25 years, recruited from shelters and drop-in centers in May 2019. Participants were randomized to either a control or an intervention group. The intervention (called MY-RID [Motivating Youth to Reduce Infection and Disconnection]) consisted of brief messages delivered via smartphone over 6 weeks in response to preidentified predictors that were assessed using ecological momentary assessments. Bayesian hierarchical regression models were used to assess intervention effects on sexual activity, drug use, alcohol use, and their corresponding urges. RESULTS Participants (N=97) were predominantly youth (mean age 21.2, SD 2.1 years) who identified as heterosexual (n=51, 52%), male (n=56, 57%), and African American (n=56, 57%). Reports of sexual activity, drug use, alcohol use, stress, and all urges (ie, sexual, drug, alcohol) reduced over time in both groups. Daily drug use reduced by a factor of 13.8 times over 6 weeks in the intervention group relative to the control group (Multimedia Appendix 4). Lower urges for sex were found in the intervention group relative to the control group over the duration of the study. Finally, there was a statistically significant reduction in reports of feeling stressed the day before between the intervention and control conditions (P=.03). CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate promising intervention effects on drug use, stress, and urges for sex in a hard-to-reach, high-risk population. The MY-RID intervention should be further tested in a larger randomized controlled trial to further investigate its efficacy and impact on sexual risk behaviors. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03911024; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03911024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Santa Maria
- Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Nikhil Padhye
- Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Michael Businelle
- TSET Health Promotion Research Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Yijiong Yang
- Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jennifer Jones
- Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Alexis Sims
- Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Marguerita Lightfoot
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies and UCSF Prevention Research Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Hubach RD, O'Neil A, Stowe M, Giano Z, Curtis B, Fisher CB. Perceived Confidentiality Risks of Mobile Technology-Based Ecologic Momentary Assessment to Assess High-Risk Behaviors Among Rural Men Who Have Sex with Men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:1641-1650. [PMID: 32078710 PMCID: PMC7438245 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01612-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Although men who have sex with men (MSM) within rural communities are disproportionately impacted by HIV, limited HIV research and programmatic resources are directed to these communities within the U.S. There is a need for improved behavioral data collection methods to obtain more detailed information on the relationship between rural environments, sexual behavior, and substance use. Utilization of mobile health (mHealth) technologies, such as ecologic momentary assessment (EMA), has been advocated for; however, limited research has evaluated its utility among rural MSM. Forty MSM residing in rural Oklahoma were recruited to complete in-depth interviews related to participating online/mobile-based HIV prevention research. Men described a willingness to participate in HIV and substance use studies that use EMA methodologies for data collection; however, they raised various research-related concerns. In particular, participants indicated potential privacy and confidentiality concerns related to the use of the mobile technology-based EMA in public and the storage of data by researchers. Given the varying degree of sexual orientation and substance use disclosure by participants, rural MSM were largely concerned with being inadvertently "outed" within their communities. Men described the various strategies they could employ to protect private information and methods to minimize research risk. Study findings suggest that EMA is an acceptable research methodology for use among rural MSM in the context of HIV and sexual health information, when privacy and confidentiality concerns are adequately addressed. Input from community members and stakeholders is necessary to identify potential areas of concerns for participants prior to data collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randolph D Hubach
- Sexual Health Research Lab, Center for Rural Health, Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences, 1111 W 17th Street, Tulsa, OK, 74107, USA.
| | - Andrew O'Neil
- Sexual Health Research Lab, Center for Rural Health, Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences, 1111 W 17th Street, Tulsa, OK, 74107, USA
| | - Mollie Stowe
- Sexual Health Research Lab, Center for Rural Health, Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences, 1111 W 17th Street, Tulsa, OK, 74107, USA
| | - Zachary Giano
- Sexual Health Research Lab, Center for Rural Health, Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences, 1111 W 17th Street, Tulsa, OK, 74107, USA
| | - Brenda Curtis
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Celia B Fisher
- Center for Ethics Education and Department of Psychology, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, USA
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Threats M, Brawner BM, Montgomery TM, Abrams J, Jemmott LS, Crouch PC, Freeborn K, Kamitani E, Enah C. A Review of Recent HIV Prevention Interventions and Future Considerations for Nursing Science. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2021; 32:373-391. [PMID: 33929980 PMCID: PMC8715511 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT As our knowledge of HIV evolved over the decades, so have the approaches taken to prevent its transmission. Public health scholars and practitioners have engaged in four key strategies for HIV prevention: behavioral-, technological-, biomedical-, and structural/community-level interventions. We reviewed recent literature in these areas to provide an overview of current advances in HIV prevention science in the United States. Building on classical approaches, current HIV prevention models leverage intimate partners, families, social media, emerging technologies, medication therapy, and policy modifications to effect change. Although much progress has been made, additional work is needed to achieve the national goal of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030. Nurses are in a prime position to advance HIV prevention science in partnership with transdisciplinary experts from other fields (e.g., psychology, informatics, and social work). Future considerations for nursing science include leveraging transdisciplinary collaborations and consider social and structural challenges for individual-level interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Threats
- Megan Threats, PhD, MSLIS, is an Assistant Professor, School of Communication and Information, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA. Bridgette M. Brawner, PhD, MDiv, APRN, is an Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Tiffany M. Montgomery, PhD, MSHP, RNC-OB, is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Jasmine Abrams, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Loretta Sweet Jemmott, PhD, RN, FAAN, is a Professor, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Pierre-Cedric Crouch, PhD, ANP-BC, ACRN, is Director, Community Health Solutions, San Francisco, California, USA. Kellie Freeborn, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, is a Postdoctoral Fellow, Division of Global Women’s Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. Emiko Kamitani, PhD, MPH, MS, RN, is a Professor by Special Appointment, Advanced Graduate Program for Future Medicine and Health Care, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan. Comfort Enah, PhD, RN, FAAN, is an Associate Professor, Solomont School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bridgette M. Brawner
- Megan Threats, PhD, MSLIS, is an Assistant Professor, School of Communication and Information, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA. Bridgette M. Brawner, PhD, MDiv, APRN, is an Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Tiffany M. Montgomery, PhD, MSHP, RNC-OB, is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Jasmine Abrams, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Loretta Sweet Jemmott, PhD, RN, FAAN, is a Professor, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Pierre-Cedric Crouch, PhD, ANP-BC, ACRN, is Director, Community Health Solutions, San Francisco, California, USA. Kellie Freeborn, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, is a Postdoctoral Fellow, Division of Global Women’s Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. Emiko Kamitani, PhD, MPH, MS, RN, is a Professor by Special Appointment, Advanced Graduate Program for Future Medicine and Health Care, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan. Comfort Enah, PhD, RN, FAAN, is an Associate Professor, Solomont School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tiffany M. Montgomery
- Megan Threats, PhD, MSLIS, is an Assistant Professor, School of Communication and Information, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA. Bridgette M. Brawner, PhD, MDiv, APRN, is an Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Tiffany M. Montgomery, PhD, MSHP, RNC-OB, is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Jasmine Abrams, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Loretta Sweet Jemmott, PhD, RN, FAAN, is a Professor, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Pierre-Cedric Crouch, PhD, ANP-BC, ACRN, is Director, Community Health Solutions, San Francisco, California, USA. Kellie Freeborn, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, is a Postdoctoral Fellow, Division of Global Women’s Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. Emiko Kamitani, PhD, MPH, MS, RN, is a Professor by Special Appointment, Advanced Graduate Program for Future Medicine and Health Care, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan. Comfort Enah, PhD, RN, FAAN, is an Associate Professor, Solomont School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jasmine Abrams
- Megan Threats, PhD, MSLIS, is an Assistant Professor, School of Communication and Information, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA. Bridgette M. Brawner, PhD, MDiv, APRN, is an Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Tiffany M. Montgomery, PhD, MSHP, RNC-OB, is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Jasmine Abrams, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Loretta Sweet Jemmott, PhD, RN, FAAN, is a Professor, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Pierre-Cedric Crouch, PhD, ANP-BC, ACRN, is Director, Community Health Solutions, San Francisco, California, USA. Kellie Freeborn, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, is a Postdoctoral Fellow, Division of Global Women’s Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. Emiko Kamitani, PhD, MPH, MS, RN, is a Professor by Special Appointment, Advanced Graduate Program for Future Medicine and Health Care, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan. Comfort Enah, PhD, RN, FAAN, is an Associate Professor, Solomont School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Loretta Sweet Jemmott
- Megan Threats, PhD, MSLIS, is an Assistant Professor, School of Communication and Information, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA. Bridgette M. Brawner, PhD, MDiv, APRN, is an Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Tiffany M. Montgomery, PhD, MSHP, RNC-OB, is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Jasmine Abrams, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Loretta Sweet Jemmott, PhD, RN, FAAN, is a Professor, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Pierre-Cedric Crouch, PhD, ANP-BC, ACRN, is Director, Community Health Solutions, San Francisco, California, USA. Kellie Freeborn, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, is a Postdoctoral Fellow, Division of Global Women’s Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. Emiko Kamitani, PhD, MPH, MS, RN, is a Professor by Special Appointment, Advanced Graduate Program for Future Medicine and Health Care, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan. Comfort Enah, PhD, RN, FAAN, is an Associate Professor, Solomont School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Pierre-Cedric Crouch
- Megan Threats, PhD, MSLIS, is an Assistant Professor, School of Communication and Information, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA. Bridgette M. Brawner, PhD, MDiv, APRN, is an Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Tiffany M. Montgomery, PhD, MSHP, RNC-OB, is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Jasmine Abrams, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Loretta Sweet Jemmott, PhD, RN, FAAN, is a Professor, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Pierre-Cedric Crouch, PhD, ANP-BC, ACRN, is Director, Community Health Solutions, San Francisco, California, USA. Kellie Freeborn, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, is a Postdoctoral Fellow, Division of Global Women’s Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. Emiko Kamitani, PhD, MPH, MS, RN, is a Professor by Special Appointment, Advanced Graduate Program for Future Medicine and Health Care, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan. Comfort Enah, PhD, RN, FAAN, is an Associate Professor, Solomont School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kellie Freeborn
- Megan Threats, PhD, MSLIS, is an Assistant Professor, School of Communication and Information, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA. Bridgette M. Brawner, PhD, MDiv, APRN, is an Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Tiffany M. Montgomery, PhD, MSHP, RNC-OB, is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Jasmine Abrams, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Loretta Sweet Jemmott, PhD, RN, FAAN, is a Professor, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Pierre-Cedric Crouch, PhD, ANP-BC, ACRN, is Director, Community Health Solutions, San Francisco, California, USA. Kellie Freeborn, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, is a Postdoctoral Fellow, Division of Global Women’s Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. Emiko Kamitani, PhD, MPH, MS, RN, is a Professor by Special Appointment, Advanced Graduate Program for Future Medicine and Health Care, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan. Comfort Enah, PhD, RN, FAAN, is an Associate Professor, Solomont School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emiko Kamitani
- Megan Threats, PhD, MSLIS, is an Assistant Professor, School of Communication and Information, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA. Bridgette M. Brawner, PhD, MDiv, APRN, is an Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Tiffany M. Montgomery, PhD, MSHP, RNC-OB, is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Jasmine Abrams, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Loretta Sweet Jemmott, PhD, RN, FAAN, is a Professor, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Pierre-Cedric Crouch, PhD, ANP-BC, ACRN, is Director, Community Health Solutions, San Francisco, California, USA. Kellie Freeborn, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, is a Postdoctoral Fellow, Division of Global Women’s Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. Emiko Kamitani, PhD, MPH, MS, RN, is a Professor by Special Appointment, Advanced Graduate Program for Future Medicine and Health Care, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan. Comfort Enah, PhD, RN, FAAN, is an Associate Professor, Solomont School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Comfort Enah
- Megan Threats, PhD, MSLIS, is an Assistant Professor, School of Communication and Information, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA. Bridgette M. Brawner, PhD, MDiv, APRN, is an Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Tiffany M. Montgomery, PhD, MSHP, RNC-OB, is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Jasmine Abrams, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Loretta Sweet Jemmott, PhD, RN, FAAN, is a Professor, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Pierre-Cedric Crouch, PhD, ANP-BC, ACRN, is Director, Community Health Solutions, San Francisco, California, USA. Kellie Freeborn, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, is a Postdoctoral Fellow, Division of Global Women’s Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. Emiko Kamitani, PhD, MPH, MS, RN, is a Professor by Special Appointment, Advanced Graduate Program for Future Medicine and Health Care, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan. Comfort Enah, PhD, RN, FAAN, is an Associate Professor, Solomont School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
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Meiksin R, Melendez-Torres GJ, Falconer J, Witzel TC, Weatherburn P, Bonell C. eHealth Interventions to Address Sexual Health, Substance Use, and Mental Health Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: Systematic Review and Synthesis of Process Evaluations. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e22477. [PMID: 33890855 PMCID: PMC8105760 DOI: 10.2196/22477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) face disproportionate risks concerning HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, substance use, and mental health. These outcomes constitute an interacting syndemic among MSM; interventions addressing all 3 together could have multiplicative effects. eHealth interventions can be accessed privately, and evidence from general populations suggests these can effectively address all 3 health outcomes. However, it is unclear how useable, accessible, or acceptable eHealth interventions are for MSM and what factors affect this. Objective We undertook a systematic review of eHealth interventions addressing sexual risk, substance use, and common mental illnesses among MSM and synthesized evidence from process evaluations. Methods We searched 19 databases, 3 trials registers, OpenGrey, and Google, and supplemented this by reference checks and requests to experts. Eligible reports were those that discussed eHealth interventions offering ongoing support to MSM aiming to prevent sexual risk, substance use, anxiety or depression; and assessed how intervention delivery or receipt varied with characteristics of interventions, providers, participants, or context. Reviewers screened citations on titles, abstracts, and then full text. Reviewers assessed quality of eligible studies, and extracted data on intervention, study characteristics, and process evaluation findings. The analysis used thematic synthesis. Results A total of 12 reports, addressing 10 studies of 8 interventions, were eligible for process synthesis. Most addressed sexual risk alone or with other outcomes. Studies were assessed as medium and high reliability (reflecting the trustworthiness of overall findings) but tended to lack depth and breadth in terms of the process issues explored. Intervention acceptability was enhanced by ease of use; privacy protection; use of diverse media; opportunities for self-reflection and to gain knowledge and skills; and content that was clear, interactive, tailored, reflective of MSM’s experiences, and affirming of sexual-minority identity. Technical issues and interventions that were too long detracted from acceptability. Some evidence suggested that acceptability varied by race or ethnicity and educational level; findings on variation by socioeconomic status were mixed. No studies explored how intervention delivery or receipt varied by provider characteristics. Conclusions Findings suggest that eHealth interventions targeting sexual risk, substance use, and mental health are acceptable for MSM across sociodemographic groups. We identified the factors shaping MSM’s receipt of such interventions, highlighting the importance of tailored content reflecting MSM’s experiences and of language affirming sexual-minority identities. Intervention developers can draw on these findings to increase the usability and acceptability of integrated eHealth interventions to address the syndemic of sexual risk, substance use, and mental ill health among MSM. Evaluators of these interventions can draw on our findings to plan evaluations that explore the factors shaping usability and acceptability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Meiksin
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - G J Melendez-Torres
- Peninsula Technology Assessment Group, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Falconer
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - T Charles Witzel
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Bonell
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV self-tests increase HIV status awareness by providing convenience and privacy, although cost and access may limit use. Since 2015, the New York City (NYC) Health Department has conducted 5 waves of an online Home Test Giveaway. METHODS We recruited adult cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) individuals who had sex with men, who were living in NYC, not previously HIV diagnosed, and using paid digital advertisements (4-8 weeks per wave). Eligible respondents were e-mailed a code to redeem on the manufacturer's website for a free HIV self-test and an online follow-up survey ~2 months later. For key process and outcome measures, we present means across 5 waves. RESULTS Across the 5 waves of Home Test Giveaway, there were 28,921 responses to the eligibility questionnaire: 17,383 were eligible, 12,182 redeemed a code for a free HIV self-test, and 7935 responded to the follow-up survey (46% of eligible responses). Among eligible responses, approximately half were Latino/a (mean, 32%) or non-Latino/a, black (mean, 17%). Mean report of never testing before was 16%. Among 5903 follow-up survey responses who reported test use, 32 reported reactive results with no known previous diagnosis (0.54%), of whom 78% reported receiving confirmatory testing. Report of likelihood of recommending the Home Test Giveaway to friends was high (mean, 96%). CONCLUSIONS We recruited diverse NYC MSM and TGNC and distributed a large number of HIV self-tests to them. Among respondents who reported newly reactive tests, the majority reported confirmatory testing. This seems to be one acceptable way to reach MSM and TGNC for HIV testing, including those who have never tested before.
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Biello KB, Hill-Rorie J, Valente PK, Futterman D, Sullivan PS, Hightow-Weidman L, Muessig K, Dormitzer J, Mimiaga MJ, Mayer KH. Development and Evaluation of a Mobile App Designed to Increase HIV Testing and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Use Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States: Open Pilot Trial. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e25107. [PMID: 33759792 PMCID: PMC8074990 DOI: 10.2196/25107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV disproportionately affects young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in the United States. Uptake of evidence-based prevention strategies, including routine HIV testing and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), is suboptimal in this population. Novel methods for reaching YMSM are required. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to describe the development and evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the MyChoices app, a mobile app designed to increase HIV testing and PrEP use among YMSM in the United States. METHODS Informed by the social cognitive theory, the MyChoices app was developed using an iterative process to increase HIV testing and PrEP uptake among YMSM. In 2017, beta theater testing was conducted in two US cities to garner feedback (n=4 groups; n=28 YMSM). These findings were used to refine MyChoices, which was then tested for initial acceptability and usability in a technical pilot (N=11 YMSM). Baseline and 2-month postbaseline assessments and exit interviews were completed. Transcripts were coded using a deductive approach, and thematic analysis was used to synthesize data; app acceptability and use data were also reported. RESULTS The MyChoices app includes personalized recommendations for HIV testing frequency and PrEP use; information on types of HIV tests and PrEP; ability to search for nearby HIV testing and PrEP care sites; and ability to order free home HIV and sexually transmitted infection test kits, condoms, and lube. In theater testing, YMSM described that MyChoices appears useful and that they would recommend it to peers. Participants liked the look and feel of the app and believed that the ability to search for and be pinged when near an HIV testing site would be beneficial. Some suggested that portions of the app felt repetitive and preferred using casual language rather than formal or medicalized terms. Following theater testing, the MyChoices app was refined, and participants in the technical pilot used the app, on average, 8 (SD 5.0; range 2-18) times over 2 months, with an average duration of 28 (SD 38.9) minutes per session. At the 2-month follow-up, the mean System Usability Scale (0-100) score was 71 (ie, above average; SD 11.8). Over 80% (9/11) of the participants reported that MyChoices was useful and 91% (10/11) said that they would recommend it to a friend. In exit interviews, there was a high level of acceptability for the content, interface, and features. CONCLUSIONS These data show the initial acceptability and user engagement of the MyChoices app. If future studies demonstrate efficacy in increasing HIV testing and PrEP uptake, the app is scalable to reach YMSM across the United States. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03179319; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03179319. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/10694.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie B Biello
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States.,Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States.,The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Pablo K Valente
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Donna Futterman
- Adolescent AIDS Program, Children's Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center, The Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Global Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Lisa Hightow-Weidman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Kathryn Muessig
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States.,Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States.,The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angelas, CA, United States
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, United States.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
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47
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Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. HIV-1 risk scoring tools could help target provision of prevention modalities such as pre-exposure prophylaxis. Recent research suggests that risk scores for women aged 18–45 may not predict risk well among young women aged 18–24. We evaluated the predictive performance of age-specific risk scores compared with the existing non–age-specific VOICE risk score, developed for women aged 18–45.
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48
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Queiroz AAFLN, Mendes IAC, de Godoy S, Velez Lapão L, Dias S. mHealth Strategies Related to HIV Postexposure Prophylaxis Knowledge and Access: Systematic Literature Review, Technology Prospecting of Patent Databases, and Systematic Search on App Stores. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e23912. [PMID: 33591289 PMCID: PMC7925142 DOI: 10.2196/23912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, the number of HIV cases continue to increase, despite the development of multiple prevention strategies. New cases of HIV have been reported disproportionately more in men who have sex with men and other vulnerable populations. Issues such as internalized and structural homophobia prevent these men from accessing prevention strategies such as postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). Mobile health (mHealth) interventions are known to be one of the newest and preferred options to enhance PEP knowledge and access. Objective The aim of this study was to identify and analyze the mobile apps addressing PEP for HIV infections. Methods We conducted a descriptive exploratory study in 3 sequential phases: systematic literature review, patent analysis, and systematic search of app stores. For the systematic review, we followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines adapted for an integrative review in the databases of PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, Cochrane, Embase, Science Direct, Eric, Treasure, and CINAHL. The patent analysis was performed by exploring the databases of the Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property, the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and the European Patent Office. For the systematic search, we analyzed mHealth apps related to HIV in 2 major app libraries, that is, Google Play Store and App Store. The apps were evaluated by name, characteristics, functions, and availability in iPhone operating system/Android phones. Results We analyzed 22 studies, of which 2 were selected for the final stage. Both studies present the use of apps as mHealth strategies aimed at improving the sexual health of men who have sex with men, and they were classified as decision support systems. The search in the patent databases showed only 1 result, which was not related to the topic since it was a drug intervention. In the app libraries, 25 apps were found and analyzed, with 15 (60%) apps available for Android systems but only 3 (12%) addressing PEP. In general, the apps inform about HIV and HIV prevention and treatment, with the focus users being health care providers, people with HIV, or the general population, but they have only limited features available, that is, mainly text, images, and videos. The 3 apps exclusively focusing on PEP were created by researchers from Brazilian universities. Conclusions Our review found no connection between the scientific studies, registered patents, and the available apps related to PEP; this finding indicates that these available apps do not have a theoretical or a methodological background in their creation. Thus, since the scientific knowledge on HIV is not translated into technological products, preventing the emergence of new infections, especially in the more vulnerable groups, is difficult. In the future, researchers and the community must work in synergy to create more mHealth tools aimed at PEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Acelino Francisco Luz Nunes Queiroz
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isabel Amélia Costa Mendes
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Simone de Godoy
- Department of General and Specialized Nursing, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Luís Velez Lapão
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sónia Dias
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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Jackman KMP, Kane J, Kharrazi H, Johnson RM, Latkin C. Using the Patient Portal Sexual Health Instrument in Surveys and Patient Questionnaires Among Sexual Minority Men in the United States: Cross-sectional Psychometric Validation Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e18750. [PMID: 33565987 PMCID: PMC7935249 DOI: 10.2196/18750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Patient portal modules, including electronic personal health records, health education, and prescription refill ordering, may be leveraged to address the sexually transmitted infection (STI) burden, including HIV, among gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men (SMM). Theoretical frameworks in the implementation sciences highlight examining constructs of innovation attributes and performance expectations as key determinants of behavioral intentions and the use of new web-based health technologies. However, behavioral intentions to use patient portals for HIV and other STI prevention and care among SMM is understudied. Objective The aim of this study is to develop a brief instrument for measuring attitudes focused on using patient portals for STI prevention and care among a nationwide sample of SMM. Methods A total of 12 items of the American Men’s Internet Survey-Patient Portal Sexual Health Instrument (AMIS-PPSHI) were adapted from a previous study. Psychometric analyses of the AMIS-PPSHI items were conducted among a randomized subset of 2018 AMIS participants reporting web-based access to their health records (N=1375). Parallel analysis and inspection of eigenvalues in a principal component analysis (PCA) informed factor retention in exploratory factor analysis (EFA). After EFA, Cronbach α was used to examine the internal consistency of the scale and its subscales. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to assess the goodness of fit of the final factor structure. We calculated the total AMIS-PPSHI scale scores for comparisons within group categories, including age, STI diagnosis history, recency of testing, serious mental illness, and anticipated health care stigma. Results The AMIS-PPSHI scale resulting from EFA consisted of 12 items and had good internal consistency (α=.84). The EFA suggested 3 subscales: sexual health engagement and awareness (α=.87), enhancing dyadic communication (α=.87), and managing sexual health care (α=.79). CFA demonstrated good fit in the 3-factor PPSHI structure: root mean square error of approximation=0.061, comparative fit index=0.964, Tucker-Lewis index=0.953, and standardized root mean square residual=0.041. The most notable differences were lower scores on the enhanced dyadic communication subscale among people living with HIV. Conclusions PPSHI is a brief instrument with strong psychometric properties that may be adapted for use in large surveys and patient questionnaires in other settings. Scores demonstrate that patient portals are favorable web-based solutions to deliver health services focused on STI prevention and care among SMM in the United States. More attention is needed to address the privacy implications of interpersonal use of patient portals outside of traditional health settings among persons with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevon-Mark P Jackman
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jeremy Kane
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, NY, NY, United States
| | - Hadi Kharrazi
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Center for Population Health IT, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Batimore, MD, United States
| | - Renee M Johnson
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Carl Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Blooomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
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50
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Alessa T, S Hawley M, Alsulamy N, de Witte L. Using a Commercially Available App for the Self-Management of Hypertension: Acceptance and Usability Study in Saudi Arabia. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e24177. [PMID: 33560237 PMCID: PMC7902196 DOI: 10.2196/24177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of smartphone apps to assist in the self-management of hypertension is becoming increasingly common, but few commercially available apps have the potential to be effective along with adequate security and privacy measures in place. In a previous study, we identified 5 apps that are potentially effective and safe, and based on the preferences of doctors and patients, one (Cora Health) was selected as the most suitable app for use in a Saudi context. However, there is currently no evidence of its usability and acceptance among potential users. Indeed, there has been little research into the usability and acceptance of hypertension apps in general, and less research considers this in the Gulf Region. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the acceptance and usability of the selected app in the Saudi context. METHODS This study used a mixed methods approach with 2 studies: a usability test involving patients in a controlled setting performing predefined tasks and a real-world usability study where patients used the app for 4 weeks. In the usability test, participants were asked to think aloud while performing the tasks, and an observer recorded the number of tasks they completed. At the end of the real-world pilot study, participants were interviewed, and the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire was completed. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data, and thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. RESULTS In total, 10 patients completed study 1. The study found that app usability was moderate and that participants needed some familiarization time before they could use the app proficiently. Some usability issues were revealed, related to app accessibility and navigation, and a few tasks remained uncompleted by most people. A total of 20 patients completed study 2, with a mean age of 51.6 (SD 11.7) years. Study 2 found that the app was generally acceptable and easy to use, with some similar usability issues identified. Participants stressed the importance of practice and training to use it more easily and proficiently. Participants had a good engagement level with 48% retention at the end of study 2, with most participants' engagement being classed as meaningful. The most recorded data were blood pressure, followed by stress and medication, and the most accessed feature was viewing graphs of data trends. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that a commercially available app can be usable and acceptable in the self-management of hypertension but also found a considerable number of possibilities for improvement, which needs to be considered in future app development. The results show that there is potential for a commercially available app to be used in large-scale studies of hypertension self-management if suggestions for improvements are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tourkiah Alessa
- Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Biomedical Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mark S Hawley
- Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Nouf Alsulamy
- Public Health, School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,College of Business, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Luc de Witte
- Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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