Using Peer Support and Mobile Technology to Improve HIV, STI, and Hepatitis C Prevention and Care for Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People in Rural Appalachia

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to improve the use of HIV, STI, and HCV prevention and care services among racially and ethnically diverse gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men GBMSM and transgender women living in rural Appalachia. By combining peer navigation with mobile health mHealth strategies, the study seeks to reduce health disparities in these vulnerable populations and inform public health practices and policies. Participants will be assigned to one of two groups an intervention group receiving a culturally compatible, bilingual approach that includes peer navigation and mHealth communication, or a delayed-intervention group. Community health leaders will raise awareness, support service access, and conduct in-person group sessions over 12 months. They will also use social media and apps to communicate and support participants throughout the intervention. During the study, researchers will track HIV, STI, and HCV testing rates at baseline, immediately after the 12-month intervention, and again 12 months later. They will also monitor the use of prevention methods like PrEP, syringe services, and gender-affirming care. Participants will be involved in group activities, receive ongoing support via mHealth platforms, and have their service use regularly assessed to measure the interventions impact through 24 months from baseline.

Appalachian Partnership to Reduce Disparities (Aim 2)