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An Ecological Momentary Assessment Smartphone App for High-Risk HIV Populations: Development and Usability Study.
Archana Krishnan1, Pallavi Khurana1, Alexandra R Stankus1
1Department of Communication, University at Albany, State University of New York, Social Science 351, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12222, United States, 1 518-442-3239, 1 518-442-3884.
JMIR Formative Research
|May 1, 2026
Summary
A new Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) app shows high usability and compliance for tracking health risks in men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV in Peru. This tool aids in addressing stigma and improving adherence.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health
- Public Health
- HIV Research
Background:
- HIV incidence is rising among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Peru.
- Addressing stigma, risky behaviors, and low medication adherence is crucial.
- Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) offers real-time data collection, reducing recall bias.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and assess the usability of an EMA smartphone app for MSM with HIV in Peru.
- To evaluate the app's ease of use, usefulness, and user satisfaction.
- To track daily health risk behaviors in this population.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-method, 3-phase study with 10 MSM with HIV.
- Included usability testing, 10-day field testing, and a debriefing focus group.
- Quantitative (surveys, analytics) and qualitative (interviews, focus groups) data were collected.
Main Results:
- High acceptability and usability (mean score 6.4/7.0) were reported.
- High compliance rate (93%) in the 10-day field test indicates feasibility.
- The app is navigable, time-efficient, and shows promise for long-term use with reminders and incentives.
Conclusions:
- EMA apps provide valuable, private, real-time data.
- This study supports larger-scale EMAs for substance use and sexual risk behaviors.
- Findings can inform just-in-time interventions for stigma, adherence, and risk reduction.
