Preferences for a M(obile)Health Approach for HIV Precvention Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Survey

This thesis presents a critical examination of the acceptability of (mobile) technologically delivered Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention, with a focus on condom uptake among men who have sex with men (MSM). The aim is to increase empirical evidence pertaining to MSM's preferences and acceptance of using mobile technology to promote safer sexual practices in order to inform future capital ventures. This thesis employed the Information-Motivation-Behavioural skills model to explore preferences of mHealth delivery methods and HIV prevention content. Data was exclusively collected through an online survey spread through social media. The thesis provides quantitative evidence of preferences through Likert-scale responses demonstrating how HIV preventative content may be engineered and potentially delivered most effectively. Findings demonstrate that using mobile delivery mechanisms such as; short messaging service (SMS), mobile applications and mobile internet, are indicative of highly acceptable and culturally reflective mechanisms to deliver content encouraging safer sexual practices among MSM. Content such as where to access free condoms, informing end-users of the effects of drug and alcohol on using condoms, and clarifying answers to common misconceptions by providing accurate information on using condoms are highly desired. In light of these findings, developers of mHealth for HIV prevention should provide a holistic resource utilising all facets of condom behaviours and not exclusively focusing on HIV prevention or self-efficacy. It is argued from these results that mHealth initiatives should be co-designed by end-users so that they are relevant to the user's needs and preferences. Future studies should be designed to test the impact of mHealth approaches measured by behavioural outcomes using randomised controlled trial methodology.