Uptake and Acceptability of MyChoices: Results of a Pilot RCT of a Mobile App Designed to Increase HIV Testing and PrEP Uptake Among Young American MSM

Katie B. Biello, Salvatore R. Daddario, Jonathan Hill-Rorie, Donna Futterman, Patrick S. Sullivan, Lisa Hightow-Weidman, Jeb Jones, Matthew J. Mimiaga, Kenneth H. Mayer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) remain at disproportionate risk for HIV acquisition in the United States (US), yet use of evidence-based prevention strategies, including routine HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), remain low. Smartphones and mobile app usage are nearly ubiquitous in this population. Given the potential for scalability, a mobile app to increase HIV testing and PrEP use among YMSM has the potential to make an extraordinary public health impact if efficacious. Based on extensive formative, community-engaged research, we developed a theory-driven mobile app—MyChoices—to increase HIV testing and PrEP uptake among YMSM. In a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), participants (n = 60) were randomized 2:1 to receive MyChoices or standard of care (SOC). Data from 3 to 6-month post-baseline assessments demonstrate that the app was highly acceptable (System Usability Score; mean = 75.8, SD = 10.7) and feasible (94% used the MyChoices app at least once; mean = 15.3 sessions, SD = 9.8). While not powered to assess efficacy, those in the MyChoices arm had 22% higher prevalence of HIV testing over follow-up compared to those in the SOC arm (NS). There was no difference in PrEP uptake. A fully-powered efficacy trial is warranted; if efficacy is demonstrated, the MyChoices app could be easily scaled to reach YMSM across the US.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3981-3990
Number of pages10
JournalAIDS and Behavior
Volume26
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2022

Keywords

  • HIV testing
  • Men who have sex with men
  • Mobile app
  • PrEP
  • Youth

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases

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