Acceptability and perceived usefulness of the MyPEEPS mobile app for young transgender men

Young transgender men (YTM) remain underserved by HIV prevention efforts. It is estimated that 3% of transgender men have an HIV diagnosis despite a rate of only 0.4% among the U.S. population, and young people account for more than half of new HIV diagnoses. We conducted in-depth interviews with a sample of participants who used MyPEEPS YTM to assess acceptability and perceived usefulness of the app. Qualitative analysis of the interviews was guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and allowed us to identify app benefits including HIV prevention reinforcement and facilitation of conversations surrounding sexual health. Thematic findings highlight that MyPEEPS YTM functioned as a relational and affirming resource in settings where culturally competent care is often unavailable. For nursing, these insights provide actionable strategies to enhance clinical practice, enrich educational preparation, and advocate for policies that support equitable access to digital health interventions.