Effectiveness of an HIV peer support precision matching platform: a randomized controlled trial protocol.

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Public health research
• HIV/AIDS management

Background:

• Peer support is crucial for improving health outcomes in people living with HIV (PLWH).
• Effective matching of PLWH with peer volunteers enhances peer support functions in health management.
• The Aspark online platform offers precision matching for PLWH and volunteers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the influence of the Aspark mHealth application on social support for PLWH in China.
• To assess the impact of integrated peer support and precision matching on health management for PLWH.
• To optimize peer support service delivery and its role in HIV health management.

Main Methods:

• A parallel randomized controlled trial involving 140 participants (70 intervention, 70 control).
• Intervention group accesses full Aspark features; control group accesses informational support.
• Outcomes measured at baseline and 3, 6, 9, 12 months, including perceived social support, mental symptoms, quality of life, self-efficacy, medication adherence, and health behaviors.

Main Results:

• Primary outcome: perceived social support.
• Secondary outcomes: mental health, quality of life, self-efficacy, medication adherence, health behaviors.
• Statistical analysis using linear mixed models or generalized linear mixed models.

Conclusions:

• The Aspark trial has the potential to significantly enhance social support for PLWH.
• The study aims to optimize peer support services for better health management in PLWH.
• This mHealth approach could play a vital role in the overall health management of PLWH.