Abstract
BackgroundHIV incidence among young adult men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly among black and Latino men, continues to rise. As such, continued HIV prevention interventions for young MSM of color are of utmost importance. Male Youth Pursuing Empowerment, Education and Prevention around Sexuality (MyPEEPS) Mobile is a comprehensive HIV prevention and sexual health education smartphone app initially created to promote sexual health and HIV prevention among adolescent sexual minority young men aged 13 to 18 years.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to critically appraise the acceptability and usability of MyPEEPS Mobile for young adult MSM aged 19 to 25 years.MethodsStudy participants used the mobile app, completed usability questionnaires and in-depth interviews, and reported their experience using the app. Analysis of interview data was guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to better understand the usability and acceptability of this intervention for young adults. Interview data were coded using the following constructs from the UTAUT model: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence.ResultsA total of 20 young adult MSM (n=10 in Chicago, Illinois, and n=10 in New York, New York) were enrolled in the study. Participants reported that MyPEEPS Mobile was free of functional problems (Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale scores and Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire scores consistent with high usability), easy to use, and useful, with an engaging approach that increased acceptability, including the use of avatars and animation, and inclusive representation of the diverse identities by race and ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Recommended areas for improving MyPEEPS Mobile for the target demographic included more adult-oriented graphics, advanced educational content, scenarios for youth with more sexual experience, and search function to increase accessibility of key content.ConclusionsOverall, young adult MSM aged 19 to 25 years described the MyPEEPS Mobile as educational, informative, and usable for their sexual health education and HIV prevention needs, and they provided actionable recommendations to optimize its use and applicability for this age group.
Highlights
BackgroundOf the 38,739 new HIV diagnoses in the United States and dependent areas, young men, aged 13 to 24 years, accounted for 18% of new diagnoses of HIV in 2017 [1]
Participants reported that MyPEEPS Mobile was free of functional problems (Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale scores and Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire scores consistent with high usability), easy to use, and useful, with an engaging approach that increased acceptability, including the use of avatars and animation, and inclusive representation of the diverse identities by race and ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation
This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Columbia University Medical Center, which served as the single IRB of record
Summary
Of the 38,739 new HIV diagnoses in the United States and dependent areas, young men, aged 13 to 24 years, accounted for 18% of new diagnoses of HIV in 2017 [1]. Given the racial/ethnic disparities in the epidemic, access to culturally and developmentally appropriate HIV prevention tools for YMSM of color is vital to Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America initiative in the United States, as proposed by the Department of Health and Human Services [7]. Sexual risk factors among YMSM identified in the literature include low rates of HIV testing; high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), among youth of color aged 20 to 24 years; substance use; as well as low levels of consistent condom and PrEP use [6,8]. Male Youth Pursuing Empowerment, Education and Prevention around Sexuality (MyPEEPS) Mobile is a comprehensive HIV prevention and sexual health education smartphone app initially created to promote sexual health and HIV prevention among adolescent sexual minority young men aged 13 to 18 years
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