<p>Feasibility and Acceptability of an mHealth-Based Approach as an HIV Prevention Strategy Among People Who Use Drugs on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis</p>

Abstract

Introduction: There has been increasing interest in the use of mHealth technology in health care. To our knowledge, however, there is a lack of empirical evidence on the utilization of text messaging services (short message service; SMS) for HIV prevention among opioiddependent people who use drugs (PWUD). As part of our formative work, we conducted an in-depth feasibility and acceptability study on the use of SMS reminders for HIV prevention in this risk group. Methods: Forty HIV-negative, opioid-dependent PWUD who are currently taking preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) were enrolled in the study. Participants received daily PrEP text reminders and weekly HIV risk reduction-related messages, which were developed using a user-centered approach. Participants were assessed at baseline and immediately postintervention. Following the post-intervention assessment, participants completed an indepth qualitative interview. Results: Feasibility of text messaging service was high, as assessed by participants' willingness to receive text messages (100%), retention (95%), and successful delivery of text messages (97%). Results further showed that participants were satisfied and perceived the use of daily PrEP reminder text messages as valuable and acceptable [mean: 75.0 (range 0-100)]. Whereas, acceptability for the weekly text messages on HIV risk reduction was 60.3 (±15.6), with 58.3% recommending them for future use. Thematic data exploration revealed important information for understanding and refining SMS content as well as logistical preferences. Conclusion: Our findings provide preliminary evidence of the feasibility and acceptability of a text messaging-based approach as a potential tool for primary HIV prevention to improve PrEP adherence and HIV risk reduction among this underserved population. HIV risk reduction text messages need further modifications to become more appealing, with participant feedback taken into consideration.

Public Health Implications of Adapting HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Programs for Virtual Service Delivery in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review

“…Two studies described successful PrEP initiation and monitoring using an online platform [ 17 , 27 ], and four studies found that telehealth for PrEP was feasible, acceptable, and effective [ 13 , 16 , 24 , 25 ]. Eight studies examined the use of apps [ 11 , 18 , 21 , 28 ] and SMS [ 15 , 19 , 22 , 26 ] for PrEP service delivery. Of note, only one study, the Enhancing PrEP in Community Settings (EPIC) study, presented results from an RCT [ 19 ].…”

Novel health systems service design checklist to improve healthcare access for marginalised, underserved communities in Europe

“…Methods to further promote and monitor service engagement and adherence include sign-posting within target communities (item A22) and peer support work by community members (A25–26). Digital health tools, especially mobile phone apps, also show promise for this purpose (A24) 33–35. For example, the Refaid app (https://refaid.com) shows migrants and refugees the location of nearby services.…”

Aceptabilidad y viabilidad de intervenciones mediadas por tecnología en la prevención del VIH: Una revisión sistemática

“…Dentro de estos mismos objetivos que tienen las intervenciones se encuentra el que las personas se realicen pruebas de detección de VIH, de tal manera que conozcan su estado serológico y más aún si han tenido conductas sexuales de riesgo, ya que como se ha observado no todas las personas tienen este hábito (Shrestha et al, 2020); también en los últimos años ha cobrado gran relevancia el uso de PrEP como una alternativa en la que las personas pueden tomar una pastilla cuando han tenido alguna conducta de riesgo sexual para prevenir la infección por VIH (Camlin et al, 2020).…”