Mobile technology use and desired technology-based intervention characteristics among HIV+ Black men who have sex with men

ABSTRACT

HIV positive Black men who have sex with men (MSM) are retained in HIV medical care at suboptimal rates. Interventions targeted to Black MSM are needed to help to improve their retention in care. The purposes of this study were to investigate the use of mobile technology among HIV+ Black MSM and to explore participants’ thoughts about the use of mobile technology for HIV retention in care interventions. Twenty-two HIV+ Black MSM completed a technology use survey and participated in a qualitative interview regarding technology-based interventions. The majority of participants (95%) had access to a cell phone, and used their phones frequently (median 3 hours/day). Men preferred interventions that would allow for anonymous participation and that would provide individually tailored support. Mobile technology is a promising approach to intervention delivery for both younger and older HIV+ Black MSM. These interventions should incorporate features that are desirable to men (i.e., anonymous participation and individual tailoring).

KEYWORDS:

• HIV
• men who have sex with men
• Black men
• retention in care
• continuum of care
• mobile technology-based interventions

Acknowledgements

All research was conducted at the University of Rochester.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the University of Rochester Center for AIDS Research [grant number P30AI078498] (NIH/NIAID).