297688
Informing the development of a mobile app for HIV prevention in high- risk, urban men who have sex with men (MSM)
HIV infection remains a significant public health problem especially among MSM. Current estimates suggest that MSM account for just 2% of the US population, but account for 61% of all new HIV infections. Mobile health technology is emerging as a promising tool for HIV prevention in high-risk MSM.
Purpose
To identify the desired content, features and functions of a mobile application (app) for HIV prevention in high-risk MSM.
Methods
We conducted five focus groups with high-risk MSM in New York City. Inclusion criteria were age 13-64 years, ability to provide informed consent, read and writes in English or Spanish, and UAI with a partner of unknown HIV status within last year. Focus group recordings were transcribed and analyzed independently among study staff.
Results
Participants (n=33) were aged 18-57 and predominantly of Hispanic ethnicity (58%); many reported race as black (57%). Themes about content, features, and functions of mobile apps were categorized into four behavioral tasks. (1) Staying healthy: risk reduction messages and personal testimonials, with specialized messages for the most vulnerable MSM, instructional videos on safer sex practices and how to use condoms. (2) Managing personal information: password protected portal for uploading health information and receiving reminders for regular health checkups. (3) Accessing peer support: linkage to peer networks and a chat function to connect user with a live person for support. (4) Accessing resources: GPS function with mapping to sites for HIV testing, free condoms, PEP and PrEP. A key functional requirement across tasks was protection of privacy and participants presented solutions for maintaining privacy, including use of a discrete logo as well as password protection.
Conclusions
Eliciting the desired content, features, and functions from the intended users of a mobile app for HIV prevention is central to user-centered design and increases the likelihood that the app will be used by target population.
Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health educationPlanning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
List at least two smartphone app preferences of urban MSM.
Describe a privacy concern in regards to mobile apps of urban MSM.
Describe the role of user-centered design in developing apps that are perceived as usable and useful.
Keyword(s): HIV Risk Behavior, HIV Interventions
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the principal or co-principal of multiple federally funded grants focusing on the epidemiology of HIV management and prevention.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.