A mixed methods evaluation of GetPersonal: Liberating reproductive resources in hostile environments

This study evaluated a Reproductive Health Kit program, offered through a FemTech Platform, GetPersonal. Kits included emergency contraception, menstrual and safer sex supplies, and informational materials to adults across Mississippi. Researchers assessed participants' self-reported satisfaction, comfort, perceived benefit, and experiences from receiving a kit.

Researchers employed a concurrent parallel mixed methods design, collecting 106 online surveys and 23 in-depth phone interviews with participants from April 2023 to April 2024. Surveys included the Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire and validated measures of health care access and food insecurity. Using an exploratory approach, researchers analyzed quantitative data. Researchers applied a phenomenological approach to analyze interviews and identify themes using Dedoose software.

Participants reported high satisfaction and perceived benefit. Respondents without a primary care provider and those who identified as bisexual reported significantly greater engagement with sexual and reproductive health care that they attributed to receiving the kit. Participants reported minimal concerns with privacy and confidentiality when using GetPersonal. Qualitative themes included (1) Real Access to Care and Resources, including subthemes of barriers and facilitators and adolescent-specific needs; (2) Outreach and Referral Sources; (3) Comfortability of Materials and Services; (4) Confidentiality and Privacy. Interviewees shared that the kits were seen as discreet, timely, and inclusive and valuable for youth and those in rural areas.

This study underscores the complementary role of GetPersonal in increasing vulnerable populations' access to services. Platforms providing low-barrier, person-centered services have the potential to significantly contribute to health care equity in oppressive and underserved environments.

Health organizations can leverage FemTech platforms to improve outcomes, such as access to health resources and information for BIPOC, LGBTQIA, adolescents, and people with low health care access. This study highlights how the GetPersonal platform in Mississippi advanced tangible access to services, discretion, and privacy for vulnerable populations.