Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Mar 14, 2022
Date Accepted: Jan 5, 2023
Mobile Phone Apps for HIV Prevention Among College-Aged Black Women in Atlanta: A Mixed-Method Study and User-Centered Prototype
ABSTRACT
Background:
Cis-gender Black women are disproportionately impacted 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:
The aim of the study was to quantitatively and qualitatively explore college-aged Black cisgender women’s perspectives on using a mobile health app for HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health. The data obtained from Black cisgender women was used to design preliminary mobile app wireframes and features.
Methods:
This study was guided by the Social Cognitive Theory of Mass Communication (SCTMC), and the Theory of Gender and Power. A cross-sectional web-based survey evaluating the willingness to use a mobile app for HIV prevention was administered. Descriptive statistics of the study population were analyzed and frequencies (percentages) were used for categorical variables. Additionally, a separate focus group discussion was conducted with cis-gender Black women about their perceptions of HIV content delivered through a mobile app, healthcare, and healthcare delivery. Qualitative data was coded and analyzed to assess for frequent and emerging themes, patterns, and quotes.
Results:
Black women in this study are between the ages of 18-25 and identify as cisgender, enrolled, or recently graduated from college. Over half ( 79.4%) of respondents reported willingness to use an app with an emphasis on PrEP 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 compared to their non-sexually active counterparts. Emerging themes from the focus group session were: How to obtain accurate digital health information, needing more PrEP knowledge, HIV risks, and sexual and reproductive health mobile app usage.
Conclusions:
Black women in this sample are willing to use a culturally appropriate and gender-considerate app for their sexual health needs. Results were employed to develop a mobile app prototype and given their willingness to use it, more apps should be developed for this population. Based on our study, Black cisgender women are excellent candidates for a mobile app-based HIV prevention intervention.
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