This study is testing the acceptability and feasibility of a highly interactive mobile application (app) to promote HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among young men who have sex with men (YMSM).
Using the Information-Motivation-Behavior Skills (IMB) model, we have developed LYNX, a highly interactive mobile app to promote accurate risk perception and increase HIV/STI testing and linkage to PrEP among young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Key components of the app include Sex Pro (a personalized HIV risk score), a sex diary to facilitate accurate data collection; HIV/STI testing information and reminders; access to home HIV/STI testing options; a geospatial-based locator of HIV/STI testing sites and PrEP clinics; PrEP information and videos; and online PrEP navigation. This study is part of the iTech NIH U19, which has an overall goal to develop innovative technology-focused interventions addressing the HIV prevention and care continuum for youth.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
61
Access to the LYNX mobile app which includes the Sex Pro score tool, PrEP videos, HIV/STI testing reminders and geo-location features.
University of South Florida, Department of Pediatrics
Tampa, Florida, United States
The CORE Center, Cook County Health and Hospitals System
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Acceptability
System Usability Scale: a validated 10-measure scale that assesses subjective usability of a system, or, in this case, an app. Range of scale is 0-100, with higher scores indicating higher acceptability.
Time frame: 3 months
Feasibility: Number of Participants Who Opened the App at Least Once by Month 3 Time Point
Opened the app at least once by Month 3 time point
Time frame: 3 months
Frequency of App Use
Number of login sessions
Time frame: 6 months
Number of Participants Using Different Parts of the App
Use of each app component based on paradata from the mobile app
Time frame: 6 months
Number of Participants Who Ordered HIV/STI Home Testing Kits, Condoms and Lube
Number of Participants who ordered HIV/STI home testing kits, condom and lube
Time frame: 6 months
Number of Participants Reporting HIV Testing Over 6 Months
Self-report HIV testing during 6 month study
Time frame: 6 months
PrEP Uptake as Measured by Self Report
Self-report of PrEP use
Time frame: 6 months
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