Mobile Phone Apps for HIV Prevention Among College-Aged Black Women in Atlanta: Mixed Methods Study and User-Centered Prototype

Abstract

Background Black women in college are disproportionately affected by HIV diagnoses. Mobile apps can facilitate the innovative delivery of accurate HIV and sexual and reproductive health information. However, mobile health interventions are severely underused in this population. Objective We aimed to quantitatively and qualitatively explore the perspectives of college-aged Black women on using a mobile health app for HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health. The data obtained from Black women were used to design preliminary mobile app wireframes and features. Methods This explanatory, sequential mixed methods study took place from 2019 to 2020 and targeted Black women who were enrolled in college or who had recently graduated from college. Convenience sampling was used during the quantitative phase, followed by purposive sampling in the qualitative phase. A cross-sectional web-based survey evaluating the willingness to use a mobile app for HIV prevention was conducted in the quantitative phase. Descriptive statistics were used for all variables. A separate focus group discussion was conducted with Black women in college to expand on the quantitative results. Focus group discussions explored their perceptions on HIV and health content delivered through a mobile app along with potential features that participants desired within the app. Using the data obtained, we selected the primary features for the app prototype. Results In total, we enrolled 34 participants in the survey, with 6 participating in focus group discussions. Over half of the respondents reported a willingness to use an app that contained pre-exposure prophylaxis content. Women who claimed recent sexual activity reported being more likely to use an app feature that would allow them to order an at-home HIV testing kit than their non–sexually active counterparts. The emerging themes from the focus group session were Black women’s health concerns, HIV risk, sources of health information, and preferred app features. The content in our prototype included speaking with a specialist, HIV and pre-exposure prophylaxis information, holistic wellness, and features promoting engagement and retention. Conclusions The results of our study guided the design of wireframes for an app prototype targeting HIV prevention in college-aged Black women. The rapid growth of mobile devices in Black communities, coupled with high rates of smartphone ownership among Black youth, makes mobile health interventions a promising strategy for addressing sexual and reproductive health disparities. Participants in our sample were willing to use a culturally appropriate and gender-considerate app for their sexual health needs. Our findings indicate that Black women in college may be excellent candidates for mobile app–based interventions.

Digital Health App to Address Disparate HIV Outcomes Among Black Women Living in Metro-Atlanta: Protocol for a Multiphase, Mixed Methods Pilot Feasibility Study

“…The current version of SavvyHER was derived using recommendations from the CAB and based on our preliminary studies [ 19 , 42 , 43 ]. The app uses text, video, still frames, and other features to convey tailored health messages.…”

Pengaruh Penggunaan Aplikasi Mobile Health (Health) dan Fitur Pemantauan Kesehatan Terhadap Gaya Hidup Sehat

“…Penelitian telah menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan aplikasi ini dapat meningkatkan tingkat aktivitas fisik, meningkatkan kepatuhan terhadap rejimen pengobatan, manajemen penyakit yang lebih baik, dan meningkatkan manajemen diri terhadap kondisi kronis. Selain itu, aplikasi kesehatan seluler telah terbukti berdampak positif pada pengetahuan kesehatan, efikasi diri, dan motivasi dengan memberikan umpan balik yang di personalisasi kepada pengguna, pelacakan tujuan, dan penguatan sosial (Tesema et al, 2023).…”

“…Semakin banyak literatur yang meneliti tentang dampak dari aplikasi kesehatan seluler terhadap perilaku dan hasil kesehatan (Amagai et al, 2022). Beberapa penelitian telah menunjukkan hasil yang menjanjikan mengenai kemanjuran aplikasi ini dalam mempromosikan aktivitas fisik, manajemen berat badan, berhenti merokok, dan kepatuhan minum obat (Tesema et al, 2023).…”