Examining the Information Systems Success (ISS) of a mobile sexual health app (MyPEEPS Mobile) from the perspective of very young men who have sex with men (YMSM). (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cordoba, Evette; Idnay, Betina; Garofalo, Robert; Kuhns, Lisa M.; Pearson, Cynthia; Bruce, Josh; Batey, D. Scott; Radix, Asa; Belkind, Uri; Hidalgo, Marco A.; Hirshfield, Sabina; Rodriguez, Rafael Garibay; Schnall, Rebecca
• Is Part Of: International journal of medical informatics. Volume 153(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: HIV Human immunodeficiency virus -- IRB Institutional Review Board -- ISS Information Systems Success -- MyPEEPS Male Youth Pursuing Empowerment, Education, and Prevention around Sexuality -- PrEP Pre-exposure prophylaxis -- RA Research assistant -- RCT Randomized controlled trial -- STI Sexually transmitted infection -- US United States -- YMSM Young men who have sex with men; mHealth technology -- HIV -- health behavior -- young men who have sex with men (YMSM) -- Information Systems Success (ISS); Medical informatics -- Periodicals; Information science -- Periodicals; Computers -- Periodicals; Medical technology -- Periodicals; Medical Informatics -- Periodicals; Technology, Medical -- Periodicals; Computers; Information science; Medical informatics; Medical technology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 610.285
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2021.104529
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1386-5056

Abstract

Highlights: Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have previously demonstrated efficacy in delaying sexual initiation, promoting HIV risk reduction behaviors, and encouraging HIV testing among adolescence. The MyPEEPS Mobile app was developed to deliver comprehensive HIV prevention information and sexual health education to young men who have sex with men (YMSM), but its effectiveness and acceptability is unknown. The features, language, and information presented by the MyPEEPS Mobile app were culturally sensitive and relevant for YMSM. Future mHealth interventions should delivering content in an enjoyable and user-friendly format to encourage use. Abstract: Objective: The widespread and frequent use of mobile technology among adolescents, including sexual minority adolescents, presents an opportunity for the development of mobile health (mHealth) technology to combat the continuing HIV epidemic among young men who have sex with men (YMSM). We analyzed perceptions of the quality and impact of an HIV prevention mobile app on sexual risk reduction among YMSM. Methods: Participants were recruited from a larger randomized controlled trial of the MyPEEPS Mobile app among YMSM aged 13–18 years. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews to assess quality and user satisfaction with MyPEEPS Mobile app using analysis informed by the Information Systems Success framework. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using six themes: information quality, net benefit, user satisfaction, product quality, service quality, and health care barriers. Results: Interviews were conducted with 40 YMSM (45% Hispanic; 80% non-White; 88% non-rural resident; 28% aged 17 years). Participants' responses indicated that information quality was high, reporting that the app information was concise, easy to understand, useful, and relevant to their life. The net benefits were stated as improvements in their decision-making skills, health behaviors, communication skills with partner(s), and increased knowledge of HIV risk. There was general user satisfaction and enjoyment when using the app, although most of the participants did not intend to reuse the app unless new activities were added. Participants expressed that the product quality of the app was good due to its personalization, representation of the LGBTQIA + community, and user-friendly interface. Although no major technical issues were reported, participants suggested that adaption to a native app, rather than a web app, would improve service quality through faster loading speed. Participants also identified some health care barriers that were minimized by app use. Conclusions: The MyPEEPS Mobile app is a well received, functional, and entertaining mHealth HIV prevention tool that may improve HIV prevention skills and reduce HIV risk among YMSM.