RiskRadar: development and pilot results of a technical intervention targeting combination prevention regarding HIV, viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis

Abstract

Background The HIV pandemic impacts the lives of millions and despite the global coordinated response, innovative actions are still needed to end it. A major challenge is the added burden of coinfections such as viral hepatitis, tuberculosis and various sexually transmitted infections in terms of prevention, treatment and increased morbidity in individuals with HIV infection. A need for combination prevention strategies, tailored to high-risk key populations arises and technology-based interventions can be a valuable asset. The COVID-19 pandemic challenged the delivery of existing services and added stress to existing public health and clinical structures but also highlighted the potential of exploiting technical solutions for interventions regarding infectious diseases. In this paper we report the design process, results and evaluation findings from the pilots of ‘RiskRadar’—a web and mobile application aiming to support combination prevention, testing and linkage to care for HIV, viral hepatitis, various sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis. Methods RiskRadar was developed for the INTEGRATE Joint Action’s aim to improve, adapt and pilot innovative digital tools for combination prevention. RiskRadar was designed iteratively using informed end-user-oriented approaches. Emphasis was placed on the Risk Calculator that enables users to assess their risk of exposure to one or more of the four disease areas, make informed decisions to seek testing or care and adjust their behaviours ultimately aiming to harm/risk reduction. RiskRadar has been piloted in three countries, namely Croatia, Italy and Lithuania. Results RiskRadar has been used 1347 times across all platforms so far. More than 90% of users have found RiskRadar useful and would use it again, especially the Risk Calculator component. Almost 49.25% are men and 29.85% are in the age group of 25–34. The application has scored 5.2/7 in the User Experience Questionnaire, where it is mainly described as “supportive” and “easy-to-use”. The qualitative evaluation of RiskRadar also yielded positive feedback. Conclusions Pilot results demonstrate above average satisfaction with RiskRadar and high user-reported usability scores, supporting the idea that technical interventions could significantly support combination prevention actions on Sexually Transmitted Infections.

A systematic review of barriers and facilitators for hepatitis B and C screening among migrants in the EU/EEA region

“…As shown by Hamdiui, Stein ( 43 ), self-efficacy is an important predictor of screening participation. Empowerment strategies, for example by education, can be deployed to increase self-efficacy ( 87 ).…”

“…Other innovations were web and mobile applications, such as the multi-lingual application “RiskRadar” which uses a risk calculator to support prevention, testing and linkage to care of infectious diseases and STIs ( 87 ). However, the potential accessibility of “RiskRadar” was most likely sub-optimal due to the COVID-19 pandemic and limited computer literacy.…”

Improved Algorithm-Based Magnetic Resonance Images Combined with Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Combined with Spinal Tuberculosis

“…e immune system of AIDS patients is low, and they are very likely to be infected with other diseases [3,4]. Tuberculosis is the most common and most likely secondary infection, and it is also one of the longest causes of death of AIDS patients [5]. erefore, in recent years, the number of AIDS patients with spinal tuberculosis has gradually increased, and the corresponding diagnosis and treatment methods are different from single disease infection, and the main characteristics of the two diseases need to be considered [6][7][8][9].…”