Mobile Phone Enabled HIV Prevention and Treatment Interventions for Health Disparity Populations in South Los Angeles

Charles R. Drew University Of Med & Sci, Los Angeles CA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Project Summary: Our proposal seeks to test the efficacy of both a newly developed GPS-based mobile App (CureBuddy) and Incentives (App+Incentives) for supporting and monitoring utilization of HIV prevention-related and substance abuse Treatment services, as well as the potential additional benefit associated with being assigned to a Peer Mentor (PM), for MSM and transgender women (TG women). These interrelated and critical services include establishing a primary care provider; accessing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) evaluation and treatment; accessing screenings for HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and hepatitis C and accessing treatment for substance use disorder (SUDs). The intervention is designed to take place using peer navigation and with the aid of mobile application. The interventions are designed to reduce the increased HIV risk by addressing two of the key contributors to this risk - substance abuse and poor engagement with medical services. The Mobile App will also facilitate access to referral sites (e.g. hours, contact information, required documentation), and reminders for service appointments, follow-up recommendations, and adherence. We intend to enroll 100 HIV-negative study participants over two years and conduct a one arm RCT investigating the comparative efficacy of promoting their utilization of HIV prevention, STI, HCV, and SUD-related services. After conducting a comprehensive needs assessment, we will work with participants to develop a client-centered prevention and treatment plan, with customized goals and referrals. We will use the App to create and support a mobile version of each participant's treatment plan. The App also will provide reminders, access details for referral sites, and automated incentives ($25) for completing treatment activities with cap of earning per participant as $500. Each treatment activity or service activity undertaking by the participant with the clinic will be followed by short survey that the participant has to answer on the App. Specifically, our primary specific aims are to examine the following among HIV- negative MSM and TG women over the 12 months: Examine the comparative effectiveness of the intervention arm in leading to the PrEP-related outcomes, in leading study participants to obtain the screening outcomes in the community, in leading study participants to obtain and remain engaged in treatment for SUDs in the community, according to their American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) levels of care.