HealthMpowerment.org: Building Community Through a Mobile-Optimized, Online Health Promotion Intervention. (August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hightow-Weidman, Lisa B.; Muessig, Kathryn E.; Pike, Emily C.; LeGrand, Sara; Baltierra, Nina; Rucker, Alvin Justin; Wilson, Patrick
• Other Names: Butterfoss Frances D. guest-editor.; Freire Kimberley E. guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Health education & behavior. Volume 42:Number 4(2015:Aug.)
• Page Start: 493
• Page End: 499
• Publication Date: 2015-08
• Subjects: African American -- men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) -- mobile and wireless interventions -- new media and social media interventions -- tailored or targeted interventions; Health education -- Periodicals; Health behavior -- Periodicals; 613.05
• DOI: 10.1177/1090198114562043
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1090-1981

Abstract

Background . Both young Black men who have sex with men as well as young Black transgender women (YBMSM/TW) continue to experience a significant increase in HIV incidence.HealthMpowerment.org (HMP) is a mobile phone-optimized, online intervention for both YBMSM/TW to build community and facilitate supportive relationships. Methods . To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes, a 1-month pilot trial of HMP among 15 YBMSM/TW was conducted. Results . Retention was 100%. Mean age was 26 years, 60% were HIV-infected, 87% earned <$21, 000, and 67% were uninsured. Despite the small sample size and limited intervention length, statistically significant improvements were seen in social support ( p = .012), social isolation ( p = .050), and depressive symptoms ( p = .045). Conclusion . The HMP pilot trial demonstrated feasibility and acceptability. Given the burden of the epidemic among YBMSM/TW, there is an imperative to develop, test, and scale up culturally appropriate interventions to both prevent HIV acquisition and limit onward transmission.