Developing a Novel Mobile App to Support HIV Testing and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Uptake Among Men Who Have Sex With...

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Mobile health (mHealth) applications
• Sexual health among adolescents and young adults

Background:

• Young sexual minority men (YSMM) face disproportionately high HIV rates in the US.
• Low rates of HIV/STI testing and PrEP uptake among YSMM necessitate innovative prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development of the LYNX mobile app.
• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of LYNX for increasing HIV testing and PrEP uptake among YSMM.

Main Methods:

• The LYNX app was developed using an iterative focus group approach based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model.
• Features include a personalized sexual health score (SexPro), a sex diary, testing reminders, access to home test kits, and clinic locators.
• A 2-month technical pilot assessed feasibility and acceptability through surveys and exit interviews.

Main Results:

• Focus groups informed app design, leading to recommendations for score calculation transparency, tailored diary language, a chat feature, and gamification.
• The pilot demonstrated good feasibility, with high app usage (average 8.5 sessions) and usability (mean score 70/100).
• The testing feature (100%), activity calendar (93%), and diary (86%) were most used; 79% were likely to continue using LYNX, and 71% would recommend it.

Conclusions:

• The user-centered design of the LYNX app effectively tailored it for YSMM to enhance HIV/STI testing and PrEP uptake.
• Positive findings support LYNX as a promising mobile health tool for broader youth populations in future effectiveness trials.