A Mobile-Based App (MyChoices) to Increase Uptake of HIV Testing and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis by Young Men Who Have Sex With Men: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

Abstract

Background: HIV incidence is growing most rapidly among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in the United States (US). Overwhelming evidence demonstrates that routine testing and expanded use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) would dramatically reduce the population burden of HIV; however, uptake of both interventions is suboptimal among young adults. The use of mobile phone applications ("apps") by YMSM is ubiquitous, and may offer unique opportunities for public health interventions. The MyChoices app is a theory-driven app to increase HIV testing and PrEP uptake; it was developed by an interdisciplinary team based on feedback from a diverse sample of YMSM.