Citation

Hightow-Weidman LB, Muessig KE, Pike EC, LeGrand S, Baltierra N, Rucker AJ, Wilson P. Health Educ. Behav. 2015; 42(4): 493-499.

Affiliation

Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1090198114562043

PMID

25588932

Abstract

Background. Both young Black men who have sex with men as well as young Black transgender women (YBMSM/TW) continue to experience a significant increase in HIV incidence. HealthMpowerment.org (HMP) is a mobile phone-optimized, online intervention for both YBMSM/TW to build community and facilitate supportive relationships.

METHODS. To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes, a 1-month pilot trial of HMP among 15 YBMSM/TW was conducted.

RESULTS. Retention was 100%. Mean age was 26 years, 60% were HIV-infected, 87% earned <$21,000, and 67% were uninsured. Despite the small sample size and limited intervention length, statistically significant improvements were seen in social support (p =.012), social isolation (p =.050), and depressive symptoms (p =.045).

CONCLUSION. The HMP pilot trial demonstrated feasibility and acceptability. Given the burden of the epidemic among YBMSM/TW, there is an imperative to develop, test, and scale up culturally appropriate interventions to both prevent HIV acquisition and limit onward transmission.

Language: en