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Background: The popularity of social media and mobile applications has grown precipitously; especially, for young adults ages 18-34. Per the Pew Research Center 90% of 18-29 yo can be classified as “active” on social media. 1 Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics have broadly adopted social media at the same brisk pace.1 Given social media’s ability to cross socioeconomic status and racial demographic barriers, it is an ideal tool for public health intervention. New York State (NYS) had 3,434 new HIV infections in 2014.2 Of these infections, 20-39 yo accounted for the largest number of new infections (2,024). 2 One in three estimated new infections were in persons aged 25-34, though 17% of NYS residents were ages 25-34 in 2014.3
Program background: As part of NYS’s Ending the Epidemic 2020 initiative, the NYS Department of Health-AIDS Institute secured a HRSA SPNS grant to create the YGetIt? Project (YGI). YGI is designed to facilitate the timely entry of young HIV infected individuals age 18-34 into HIV care, encourage vulnerable youth to remain in care, and sustain viral load suppression among those in care. The YGI is comprised of a mobile application, Get!, paired with Peer Engagement Educator Professionals (PEEPs) and a graphic serial 'Tested'. 'Tested'social media presence will be utilized to improve engagement and participation of young people in their health care.
Evaluation Methods and Results: The efficacy of the YGI? Intervention will be assessed via a two arm randomized control trial to evaluate whether the major components of the intervention can improve health outcomes and engagement in care for young persons living with HIV. Participants enrolled will be individually randomized at a 1:1 ratio to either receive access to the Get! plus a PEEP they can communicate with outside of the app (Arm 1), or to receive access to the Get! alone (Arm 2). Primary outcomes to be examined include engagement, linkage to care, retention in care, and viral load suppression.
Conclusions: YGI combines a digital technology tool (Get!), peer support, and an engaging serial (Tested) to affect health outcomes and improve:
- Linkage to care
- Retention in care
- Viral load suppression
Implications for research and/or practice: For a significant portion of HIV infected young adults, linkage to and retention in care have been difficult to achieve. YGI addresses this issue through its convenience, engagement, and supportive services, which may lead to improved health outcomes. References 1. Andrew Perrin. “Social Networking Usage: 2005-2015.” Pew Research Center. October 2015. 2. “HIV Incidence Surveillance Annual Report for cases diagnosed through December 2014, New York State, 2014” DIVISION OF EPIDEMIOLOGY, EVALUATION AND RESEARCH. New York State Department of Health. December 2016 3.“HIV Incidence Estimates, New York State, 2014” DIVISION OF EPIDEMIOLOGY, EVALUATION AND RESEARCH. New York State Department of Health. December 2016