HIVFactSheet: A mobile application designed and implemented by youth peer mentors to facilitate HIV and reproductive health care among adolescents and young adults

Abstract

Background:Adolescents and young adults in sub-Saharan Africa face complex challenges in accessing HIV testing, HIV care, and sexual and reproductive health services. We describe and characterize the uptake of a unique mHealth intervention that was designed, led, and implemented by youth peer mentors (YPM) in the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) in western Kenya. Methods: YPM developed a mobile application to address the unmet needs that they identified in youth education around HIV testing, HIV care, and sexual and reproductive health. The application incorporates comprehensive educational materials and information about health services in Kenya. Users can set up reminders for clinic appointments and may call, text, or email a YPM for assistance accessing care or to ask care-related questions. The application has been promoted at AMPATH clinics and on social media. We describe its implementation in this setting. Results: Since launching the application in December 2017, as of April 2019 the application was downloaded 5,800 times, with 4,953 current users. Downloads primarily originated in Kenya (74%) and other African countries, but also globally. Texts to YPM through the application included questions about a broad range of topics on HIV testing, prevention, and care; reproductive and sexual health; substance abuse and addiction; and navigating health care. YPM contacted through the app provided individualized counseling and referred 183 users to health services. YPM utilize the application in large- and small-group and individual peer education sessions, and in trainings for healthcare workers, teachers and new YPM. Conclusions: Adolescents and young adults should be empowered to lead interventions to address the challenges that they face in navigating care. A unique mobile application intervention spearheaded by YPM providing access to comprehensive health education and individualized counseling and referral has great potential to facilitate HIV and sexual and reproductive health care for young people.