The Use of Mobile Health Applications Among Youth and Young Adults Living with HIV: Focus Group Findings

Abstract

The objective of this study was to conduct focus groups with youth (18-29 years old) living with HIV (YLWH) to better understand preferences for mobile applications in general and to inform the design of a mobile health application aimed at improving retention and engagement in healthcare and adherence to antiretroviral therapy. We conducted four focus groups with YLWH to elicit the names and characteristics of applications that they commonly used, reasons they deleted applications, and the features of an ideal mobile health application. A diverse sample of youth (N = 17) with a mean age of 25 years, 88.2% male, and 29.4% African American participated in four focus groups. Positive attributes of applications included informative, simple, allowing for networking, timely updates, little overlap with other applications, unlimited access to entertainment, and with ongoing advancement. Participants identified several reasons for deleting applications, including engaging in excessive behaviors (e.g., spending money), for hook ups only, too many notifications or restrictions, occupied too much space on device, or required wireless connectivity or frequent updates. Participants suggested that a mobile health application that they would find useful should have the ability to connect to a community of other YLWH, readily access healthcare providers, track personal data and information (such as laboratory data), and obtain health news and education. Privacy was a key factor in a mobile health application for all participants. Researchers can use the information provided by focus group participants in creating mobile health applications for YLWH.

Recent mobile health interventions to support medication adherence among HIV-positive MSM

“…In focus groups about HIV-related app preferences with stimulant-using adult MSM, participants requested social networking features, information about local resources, connection to their medical chart, and HIV-related news [42**]. These requests for information and connection are echoed in focus groups with young MSM along with preferences for information that is presented succinctly [43], customizable app features [25**], personalized reminders and accountability for medication taking behaviors [44*], and information on both HIV and general health and wellness [43, 44*]. Anonymity and privacy are also consistently stressed features – though not inherent barriers to using mHealth HIV interventions [35*, 43, 44*].…”

Preliminary Impact of the weCare Social Media Intervention to Support Health for Young Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women with HIV

“…36 Social media interventions may be particularly appropriate for social media users who may include "hard-to-reach" communities who may be less likely to be exposed to venue-based health promotion efforts (e.g., those who are in gay bars/clubs or community based) or identify with gay-focused health messages, including those delivered in-person or using specially developed HIV-engagement apps, and/or have more challenges engaging in HIV-related care. [37][38][39][40][41] Social media interventions have several benefits for young MSM and transgender women. First, they can have a broad reach to those who are already active social media users.…”

Experience of Using an App in HIV Patients Older Than 60 Years: Pilot Program (Preprint)

“…It is known that one of the main concerns of HIV patients when it comes to managing mobile applications is the preservation of their intimacy [18].…”