The Feasibility and Acceptability of Using Mobile Applications for HIV Testing, Prevention, and Treatment Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) are vulnerable populations to HIV/AIDS. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 637 AGYW in Cameroon to study the feasibility and willingness to use mobile applications (apps) for HIV testing, prevention, and treatment. We found that phone ownership is high among AGYW, where 93.9% (n = 598) of them (median age: 22 years, interquartile range: 21–24 years) had access to a smartphone, 49.5% (n = 315) frequently searched for health information, and 48.9% (n = 312) frequently used health-related apps. AGYW's willingness to use mobile apps for HIV testing, prevention, and treatment were 87.9% (n = 560), 84.4% (n = 538), and 84.9% (n = 541), respectively. The high willingness to use apps was associated with older age, HIV testing, and searching for health information on a phone. Barriers to willingness included having no internet access, concerns about internet cost and privacy, and lack of consistent access to a smartphone.