Amsterdam 2015
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| Abstract #2111 - Test & repeat | ||||
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Session: 45.4: Test & repeat (Parallel) on Friday @ 09.00-10.30 in C103 Chaired by Vincent Pelletier, Sarah Skeen Authors: Presenting Author: Dr. Jason Mitchell - University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, United States |
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| Additional Authors: | ||||
| Aim: Studies show that most gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States (US) test for HIV at least once in their lifetime, however few test for HIV at regular intervals despite their engagement in condomless anal sex. MSM are early adopters of technology and use smartphone apps to sexually and socially connect with other MSM. Although smartphone apps have great potential for real-time intervention on health behaviors, their potential for promoting HIV testing at regular intervals has yet to be realized. To assist with development and implementation of smartphone-based HIV testing interventions for HIV-negative MSM, we conducted focus groups to assess features and functions of smartphone apps that promote their downloading and sustained use over time. Focus group participants were also asked their preferences for features and functions to include in a HIV testing smartphone app. | ||||
| Method / Issue: 6 focus groups of HIV-negative MSM in Miami, FL (n=17) and Minneapolis, MN (n=17) were conducted between January-February, 2015. Men were on average 32 years of age (SD = 9.7). Half of the men identified as a minority (50%), the other half as White Non-Hispanic (50%). Men’s prior HIV testing history varied, with 3% never having been tested, 6% receiving their last test 5 or more years ago, 9% more than 1 year ago, 15% 10-12 months ago, 9% 7-9 months ago, 25% 4-6 months ago, and 35% testing within the prior 1-3 months. Focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, checked for accuracy, and reviewed for themes related to the primary research questions. | ||||
| Results / Comments: The following themes emerged about men’s decisions about downloading and sustaining use of smartphone apps over time: 1) how useful or relevant the app is in their lives, 2) how engaging an app is, 3) the design and how easy it is to navigate the app, 4) the degree of control men have over app features, 5) entertainment value of the app, 6) the credibility of the app developer via peer reviews, 7) how often the app is updated, 8) how much data the app uses, 9) security features of the app, and 10) how much the app costs. The features and functions they would like to see in a HIV testing app include one that: 1) reminds them to get tested and at regular intervals, 2) uses a GPS program to find testing sites and services, 3) provides relevant resources and information about HIV and other STIs, 4) enables men to track and record their sexual history, and 5) allows them to customize certain features such as type and frequency of push notifications. These themes will be discussed and supported with participant quotes. | ||||
| Discussion: Themes elicited during the focus groups were similar across sites. Relevancy of an app to men’s lives and its ease of navigation were key components of its sustained use over time. Discussion of the results will explore ways to leverage key features and functions of smartphone app interventions that promote interval HIV testing for HIV-negative MSM. | ||||
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