JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The concerted action of global, regional, and local actors has significantly improved the delivery and effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy for persons living with HIV (PLHIV). However, effectively engaging adolescents and young people (AYP) remains an obstacle to achieving optimum HIV treatment outcomes. The rise of digital technologies offers fresh opportunities to improve health outcomes for this group.

Objective:

An initial study was conducted at health facilities in Kiambu and Kirinyaga County to identify perceptions regarding the benefits and preferences for an online health portal among AYP living with HIV. This survey aimed to establish a foundation for a clinical trial evaluating the portal's effect on patient activation and health outcomes in this age group.

Methods:

In August 2021, we examined how young Kenyans aged 15-24 on antiretroviral treatment perceived the introduction of an online health portal and its potential effects on their health literacy, and self-efficacy. Utilizing structured questionnaires, we explored domains such as health understanding, symptom management, emotional coping, and portal features like security and content delivery. Participants were drawn from public health facilities in Kiambu and Kirinyaga counties, with minors providing caregiver consent. Data were collected through age-segregated focus group discussions, where the portal's key features were introduced before engaging in detailed questionnaire-based feedback sessions.

Results:

The survey results revealed strong support for the planned online health portal, particularly in areas like scheduling, accessing test outcomes, viewing health records, and doctor communication. With 60% of respondents being female and a median participant age of 18, 94% showed a readiness to utilize the portal, mainly on a weekly basis. The portal was generally seen as user-friendly and effective in improving health literacy, self-management, and privacy concerns. Analysis indicated no significant relationship between the preference for the portal and demographic factors such as age, gender, education level, or job status. Preferences for receiving information were highest for video, SMS, and Q&A formats, underscoring the portal's role in enhancing patient active participation and the quality of healthcare services.

Conclusions:

This survey highlighted the benefits and offered insights for the online portal's development, suggesting preliminary surveys as valuable for guiding technology-based clinical trial designs.