Integrating Supports to Promote PrEP for Black Adolescents Working With Apps- Atlanta

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective in preventing HIV infections, reducing the risk by over 90%. However, adherence among AYAs remains suboptimal, with only 34% maintaining adherence at 48 weeks. Studies suggest that adult support can improve adherence in pediatric HIV treatment, but this approach has not been systematically evaluated for PrEP use in AYAs. Prior research indicates that Black AYAs and their families are open to incorporating adult support for PrEP adherence. Given the success of mobile health (mHealth) interventions in promoting sexual health, this study aims to enhance the HealthMPowerment (HMP) app-an existing mHealth platform designed for HIV prevention-to facilitate dyadic communication between Black AYAs and trusted adult support persons.

The study addresses the high rates of HIV among Black adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in metro Atlanta, Georgia, where AYAs (ages 13-24) account for 21% of new HIV diagnoses, with Black gay and bisexual males, transgender individuals, and heterosexual young women being disproportionately affected. Nearly half of new infections occur in rural areas. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative prioritizes four counties in metro Atlanta (Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett) as geographic hotspots, emphasizing the need for patient-centered interventions to reduce HIV incidence.

Inclusion criteria

• African Americans
• Living in metropolitan Atlanta counties- Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett
• Have a PrEP indication (e.g., sex with a partner living with HIV, condomless sex, sex with multiple partners, engagement in transactional sex, or at least one sexually transmitted infection in the past 6 months)
• Support Person:
• self-reported provision of instrumental, informational, or emotional support for a Black AYA 14-21 years old

Exclusion criteria

HIV positive Inability to provide consent