A Multicomponent Intervention (POSSIBLE) to Improve Perceived Risk for HIV Among Black Sexual Minority Men: Feasibility and Preliminary Effectiveness Pilot Study

• DOI: 10.2196/54739
• Publication Date: 2024-04-22T10:42:44Z
• Authors: Derek T Dangerfie...; Janeane N Anderson; Charleen Wylie; Ricky Bluthenthal; Chris Beyrer; Jason E Farley
• Keywords: Preprint

Background Increased pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use is urgently needed to substantially decrease HIV incidence among Black sexual minority men. Low perceived risk for (PRH) a key unaddressed PrEP barrier Peers and smartphone apps are popular intervention tools promote community health behaviors, but few studies have used these together in multicomponent strategy. Therefore, we designed called POSSIBLE that an existing app PrEPme (Emocha Mobile Health, Inc) peer change agent (PCA) increase PRH as gateway PrEP. Objective This paper aims describe the feasibility preliminary impact of on willingness accept referral Methods was theoretically guided, single-group, 2-session pilot study conducted men from Baltimore, Maryland between 2019 2021 (N=69). integrated PCA allows users self-monitor behaviors chat with in-app worker obtain service information. assessed using 8-item scale before after baseline follow-up visits. At end each visit, referred interested individuals learn more about options. Results The average age participants 32.5 (SD 8.1, range 19-62) years. In total, 55 (80%) were retained at month 1. After sessions, 29 (42%) willing be services, 20 (69%) those confirmed scheduled appointments care teams. There no statistically significant differences visits (t122=–1.36; P=.17). Conclusions We observed improvement However, given high retention rate acceptability, may feasible implement. Future research should test powered peer-based approach initiation Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04533386; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04533386