An Evidence-Based Approach to Facilitating PrEP Initiation Among YMSM: The MyPEEPS Plus mHealth and E-Peer Navigation...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• HIV Prevention
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• Men who have sex with men (MSM) represent a significant proportion of new HIV infections.
• Low uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) persists among young MSM despite growing awareness.
• Peer navigators can enhance PrEP care through psychosocial support and trust-building.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development of MyPEEPS Plus, a novel HIV prevention intervention.
• To outline the integration of mHealth and electronic peer (e-peer) navigation.
• To detail the evidence-based strategies incorporated into the intervention for an RCT.

Main Methods:

• Development of a remote intervention combining mHealth and e-peer navigation.
• Incorporation of evidence-based strategies: HIV Incidence Risk Index for Men Who Have Sex With Men (HIRI-MSM), OARS, shared decision making, PrEP Readiness Assessment (PRA), and motivational interviewing (MI).
• Utilizing these components within a randomized controlled trial (RCT) framework.

Main Results:

• The MyPEEPS Plus intervention was developed integrating digital education with personalized support.
• The intervention aims to empower young MSM and address barriers to PrEP initiation and persistence.
• Specific evidence-based tools were integrated for application in an RCT setting.

Conclusions:

• MyPEEPS Plus combines digital tools and personalized support to enhance PrEP uptake.
• The intervention is designed to empower young MSM and reduce HIV incidence.
• This approach addresses critical needs in HIV prevention for young MSM.