Mobile Health Application for HIV Prevention and Drug Addiction
(PA-Links Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new mobile app designed to help women recently released from jail or prison reduce their HIV risk and manage drug addiction. The app supports medication use for HIV prevention and opioid use disorder management, offering personalized resources, quizzes, and messages to keep users on track. Women who have been in the carceral system within the last six months and are at risk for HIV or opioid use may be suitable for this trial, especially if they have internet access and speak English. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to access innovative support tools and contribute to research that could benefit others in similar situations.
What prior data suggests that this mobile health application is safe for women involved in the carceral system?
Research has shown that mobile health (mHealth) apps are generally safe and well-liked by people living with HIV. These apps assist users in following their treatment plans. For example, one study found that using an app to manage HIV care improved medication adherence. This indicates that the apps are both effective and safe.
Another study examined a mobile health app designed to help people adhere to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that prevents HIV. Developers created the app with input from potential users, enhancing its safety and usability.
Regarding safety, mHealth apps have shown very few negative side effects or reactions. They are designed for ease of use, and many people feel comfortable sharing personal information through them. Overall, evidence suggests that these apps provide a safe way to support HIV prevention and treatment.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Mobile Health Application for HIV Prevention and Drug Addiction because it offers a unique approach to enhancing patient care. Unlike traditional methods that rely solely on in-person navigation services, this app supplements standard care with personalized digital support. It delivers weekly resources tailored to individual needs, interactive quizzes for engagement, and timely reminders about healthcare appointments and medication use. Additionally, it fosters community interaction through an embedded communication feature, providing users with both practical and emotional support. This holistic digital approach aims to improve healthcare access and retention, making it a promising tool in the fight against HIV and drug addiction.
What evidence suggests that this mobile health application is effective for HIV prevention and drug addiction?
Research has shown that mobile health apps can improve health outcomes. For instance, one app increased HIV testing rates from 35.1% to 88.5% in six months. These apps also help users take their medications more regularly. Another study found that they assist individuals in adhering to their HIV care plans and maintaining viral control. For those dealing with substance use, mobile apps have shown promise in supporting individuals who want to quit. In this trial, participants in the intervention arm will access the PA Links web-based app, which aims to enhance usual care by providing resources, quizzes, supportive messages, and reminders. Overall, mobile health apps are proving to be effective tools for better health management.23678
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants engage with the PA-Links web-based app and receive navigation services to increase PrEP and MOUD uptake
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for linkage to PrEP and MOUD services and assessed for feasibility and acceptability of the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Tool to provide re-entry support and improve linkage to healthcare and social services
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Women in the intervention arm will receive all the same navigation services at FIGHT along with access to the PA Links web-based app. This app will enhance the usual care by: 1. Sending up the three resources every week based on a participant's interests and needs. 2. Providing one quiz a week. At the beginning of each week of the intervention, participants will receive a pop-up message when they log in with a true/false question. 3. Sending at least two supportive messages a week. 4. Posting reminders and messages from navigators about appointments, medication use, or for other issues. 5. Being able to interact with other participants via an embedded communication widget.
For those participants randomized to the "Basic" arm of the intervention, standard of care navigation already provided by Philadelphia FIGHT will be provided, without the use of the PA Links application. Each participant will be assigned a navigator or care coordinator who will assist people by scheduling initial/first appointments, making appointment reminder calls, coordinating services, providing education, and facilitating communication among FIGHT departments. Navigation occurs from initial patient contact until the patient has their first visit. Then a care coordinator is assigned, who assists patients in overcoming ongoing barriers to care and doing similar tasks as the navigators after the first visit. Participants in the basic arm will thus receive all the services any other patient at FIGHT would receive.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Temple University
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Collaborator
University of Pittsburgh
Collaborator
Citations
Efficacy of the mLab App: a randomized clinical trial for ... - PMC
The mLab App arm participants demonstrated an increase from 35.1% reporting HIV testing in the prior 6 months compared to 88.5% at 6 months. In ...
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Efficacy of a Mobile Phone–Based Intervention on Health ...
This study assessed the effectiveness of an evidence-based codesigned mobile intervention for individuals living with HIV. Our study revealed that those who ...
Study Details | NCT04855773 | Comparing Mobile Health ...
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Using the Positive Peers Mobile App to Improve Clinical ...
The Positive Peers App (PPA) is a multifunctional HIV support tool designed to improve HIV-related clinical outcomes for young people with HIV.
Development of a Mobile Health Application for HIV ... - PMC
This paper presents results from a participatory design approach in developing the Jichunge mobile app to improve adherence to PrEP among MSM and FSW in ...
Acceptability of an mHealth App That Provides Harm ...
Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence of smartphone ownership, the level of comfort in providing the personal information required ...
Mobile Health Application - an overview
Mobile Health, or mHealth, describes the use of mobile and wireless communication technologies to improve healthcare delivery, outcomes, and research.
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