Currently submitted to: JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting
Date Submitted: Sep 22, 2026
Open Peer Review Period: Sep 24, 2026 - Nov 19, 2026
(currently open for review)
Warning: This is an author submission that is not peer-reviewed or edited. Preprints - unless they show as "accepted" - should not be relied on to guide clinical practice or health-related behavior and should not be reported in news media as established information.
The Acceptability and Feasibility of a Brief Animated Video Promoting Prevention, Screening and Treatment of STIs and HIV Among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Multi-Method Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV, yet screening and prevention services remain suboptimal in pediatric primary care. Brief video-based interventions may offer an engaging and scalable approach to delivering sexual health education in clinical settings.
Objective:
We assessed acceptability and feasibility of a brief animated video designed to promote sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV screening, prevention and treatment in clinical sites serving adolescents and young adults (AYAs).
Methods:
This multi-method study enrolled youth aged 14-19 years within three months of STI and/or HIV testing at five Philadelphia-area clinics. Participants viewed a six-minute animated video featuring key information about STIs, HIV, and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Acceptability was measured using a modified version of the validated client satisfaction questionnaire CSQ-8 (range 8-32). Individual semi-structured interviews exploring overall impressions, suggestions for improvement and integration into primary care clinics were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results:
Twenty-five participants completed the study. The total CSQ-8 mean score was 28.76 (SD 2.93) consistent with high acceptability. Three major themes emerged: 1) Engagement and Relatability: Participants felt colorful graphics and approachable narration enhanced comprehension but overuse of emojis could minimize the topic’s seriousness. 2) Educational Value: participants reported that the video addressed knowledge gaps and increased HIV and PrEP knowledge. 3) Accessibility and Flexibility of Delivery
Methods:
Participants reported that dissemination in clinic through multiple formats (QR codes, email links, electronic tablets) were acceptable if tailored to patient preferences while maintaining confidentiality.
Conclusions:
This brief animated video is a promising tool for increasing STI and HIV awareness among AYAs and could be integrated into primary care clinics. Further research should explore its impact on health behaviors and identify best practices for implementation across diverse pediatric clinical settings.
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