12:30pm - 1:30pm (CDT) | 4175.0 - Think-aloud testing of a clinic-integrated HIV prevention app among malaysian men who have sex with men
HIV Prevention & Care in International Settings
Session: HIV Prevention & Care in International Settings
Program: HIV/AIDS
Author: Jeffrey Wickersham, PhD
Abstract
Background
HIV continues to be a global public health issue, disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men (MSM), with no exceptions in Malaysia. Discrimination, stigma, and other barriers in healthcare settings are common issues for Malaysian MSM, which has already led to fewer hospital visits and less HIV testing. Thus, to promote HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake there, we have created a clinic-integrated HIV prevention prototype smartphone app called “JomPrEP.” In the present study, we aimed to gather feedback on the appeal and functionality of this prototype app for refinement.
Methods
A one-on-one think-aloud (TA) qualitative interview was conducted with 10 MSM and 10 stakeholder participants from the Greater Kuala Lumpur region between February 2022 and April 2022. The TA sessions were video recorded and then transcribed verbatim. The theme analysis standards were utilized to analyze the data.
Results
Most MSM were Malay by origin, with a mean age of 25.8 years, and never used PrEP. The MSM and the stakeholders found most app features straightforward (e.g., creating an account in the app and ordering HIV self-test kits and PrEP). They suggested minor changes (e.g., making reversible options for PrEP and HIVST kit orders and showing confirmation messages for clinic appointments) to increase the app’s functionality. The participants appreciated incorporating the med manager and rewards feature into the app.
Conclusion
Despite minor suggestions for improvement, the JomPrEP app prototype is an appealing and functional tool for Malaysian MSM. Further development and testing, including user input, are required to assess its usability in improving HIV testing and PrEP adherence.
Keywords: HIV prevention, smartphone app; JomPrEP; HIVST; PrEP; functionality; think-aloud; Malaysia