Co-Designing Digital Health Intervention for Monitoring Medication and Consultation Among Transgender People in...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Public Health
• HIV/AIDS Research

Background:

• Key populations (KPs), including men who have sex with men and transgender individuals, face discrimination and criminalization, leading to reduced healthcare access.
• KPs experience higher rates of HIV/AIDS and mental health issues, complicating epidemic control efforts.
• Limited access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) services for KPs creates reservoirs for new HIV infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess digital health interventions for monitoring medication and consultations among transgender people in underserved communities.
• To determine the feasibility of a system supporting ART adherence in Nigeria.
• To evaluate design strategies for privacy and confidentiality to reduce nonadherence to ARV medications.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative approach using thematic analysis.
• Interviews with clinicians and health practitioners serving KPs.
• Interactive virtual workshop with relevant stakeholders.

Main Results:

• A need for an intensive care web app to increase ART therapy attendance.
• Integration of reminder features with telemedicine for addressing client challenges like adverse drug effects and mental health.
• Identification of data-driven needs: unique drug requests, client-led viral load calculators, remote requests, and drug delivery.

Conclusions:

• Technology-driven solutions can enhance ART adherence and reduce HIV transmission among transgender individuals.
• Collaboration between local governments and international organizations is recommended for health management services.
• Prioritizing health needs over identity is crucial for effective HIV programming for KPs.