Mobile-Based Application "MyChoices"

HIV Clinical Trial

Official title: Mobile-Based Application "MyChoices" to Increase Uptake of HIV Testing, Detection of New HIV Infections, and Linkage to Care and Prevention Services by Young Men Who Have Sex With Men

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

This study is testing the acceptability and feasibility of MyChoices, a mobile application (app), to promote HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among young men who have sex with men (YMSM).

Clinical Trial Description

"MyChoices", an app adapted from HealthMindr and developed using iterative feedback from youth, is being refined to to maximize acceptability among YMSM. "MyChoices" was guided by the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) model and includes three major functions that are designed to promote self-efficacy, self-regulation, goal-setting and environmental influences in order to impact behavior change. (1) Tracking and Self-Monitoring HIV Risk: In order to target self-regulation, brief surveys within the app are used to assess behavioral patterns of YMSM, particularly around sexual relationships, which are then used to help customize the app for each user. (2) HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) Prevention Information: In order to improve self-efficacy for HIV testing and HIV prevention overall, quizzes and infographics that appeal to YMSM have been incorporated into the app, focusing on promotion of HIV prevention and regular HIV testing. The app also allows users to order OraQuick HIV home testing kits and STI home collection kits (for rectal and urethral gonorrhea and Chlamydia and syphilis). Additionally, the app includes information on testing sites and local PrEP clinics (e.g., telephone, address, hours of testing, etc), and external links to specific site webpages that are near the user (determined using GPS technology). (3) HIV Testing Plan: Acknowledging the central role of goal setting and environmental influences on health behavior, the app allows users to create a HIV testing plan by allowing them to compare and choose different screening options (e.g., home self-testing, antigen, rapid). Questions about HIV transmission behaviors and testing history are then asked to create a tailored testing plan. After a HIV testing plan is developed, users have the option to customize reminders for the timeframe selected (e.g., user is pinged every 3 months as a reminder to get tested). Users are able to select from a list of phrases or create their own to ensure privacy. Moreover, geofencing technology allows users to be notified when in the vicinity of testing locations, based on the Geo Positioning System (GPS) location, during the testing timeframe.

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. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• HIV
• Pre-exposure Prophylaxis
• Risk Reduction
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases

• NCT number: NCT03179319
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Fenway Community Health
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: July 1, 2017
• Completion date: January 31, 2020