Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Jan 25, 2019
Open Peer Review Period: Jan 28, 2019 - Mar 25, 2019
Date Accepted: Sep 26, 2019
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
Development and Early Use of Positive Peers, a Mobile Application for Engaging and Retaining Young Adults in HIV Care
ABSTRACT
Background:
Although treatment for HIV infection is widely available and well tolerated, less than 30% of HIV-infected young adults (age 13-24) achieve stable viral suppression. Inadequate sex education, health literacy, and social support challenge adherence to prevention recommendations and medication.
Objective:
Positive Peers, a multi-function mobile health application, was designed to support medication adherence and address informational and support needs for young people diagnosed with HIV.
Methods:
Positive Peers was developed in collaboration with a Community Advisory Board (CAB) consisting of in-care young adults living with HIV. This paper describes the Positive Peers application, theoretical foundations, key development strategies, and lessons learned.
Results:
A multidisciplinary approach provided specific expertise to create and evaluate this tailored technology. Preferred content reflected user aesthetics and real world situations. Heightened concerns for privacy can inhibit application activity, but this can be addressed with opt in privacy choices.
Conclusions:
The Positive Peers mobile application provides a fun, private, virtual space for young people living with HIV to share their experience, broaden their literacy, and increase their responsibility for health management. Clinical Trial: N/A
Citation
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Copyright
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