169 - Creating an Adolescent Male-Focused Digital Sexual Health Intervention: A User-Informed Phased Approach

Poster Number: 169
Publication Number: 169.467

Background: As mobile health (mHealth) apps continue to increase, the creation of theory-based, user-informed digital interventions is critical in order to improve health outcomes among adolescent and young adults (AYA).

Objective: To describe the phases followed to create Dr. Eric (Emergency Room Interventions to Improve Care), an interactive app focused on promoting healthy sexual behaviors and preventing sexually transmitted infections among AYA male emergency department (ED) patients

Design/Methods: We devised and followed five phases of app development, which were based on user-centered design and the software development lifecycle (Figure 1). In phase 1, Define, we explored our targeted health problem (infrequent condom use) by collecting key stakeholder input and conducting in-depth interviews with AYA males guided by the Social Cognitive Theory. In phase 2, Discovery, we partnered with a digital product agency to explore user experience and digital strategy, constructing a journey map with persona profiles and a timeline of the anticipated digital experience to create a low-fidelity prototype. In phase 3, Design, we refined Dr. Eric content, a 5-part sexual health educational module and a 10-week texting program. We then conducted semi-structured interviews with AYA male ED patients and usability experts trained in heuristic evaluation with a high-fidelity prototype. Interviews were recorded and analyzed via descriptive thematic analysis. Usability expert feedback was categorized by Neilson’s Heuristic Principles. In phase 4, Development, we created the technical architecture and built a responsive web application. Lastly, in phase 5, Deploy, we conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial to evaluate the implementation and potential efficacy of Dr. Eric.

Results: Using the phase 1 and 2 data, we iteratively edited the prototype. Data from 9 users found that AYA males preferred: (1) straightforward information; (2) a clear image of Dr. Eric; (3) open ended opportunities to explore family planning goals; (4) detailed birth control method information; and (5) interactive games presenting novel information with rewards. Four usability experts provided heuristic feedback (Table 1). This led to the deployment of Dr. Eric (Figure 2) that was preliminarily evaluated in a pilot trial.

Conclusion(s): Following these mHealth development phases, we created a theory-based interactive AYA sexual health intervention incorporating the principles of user experience and interface design. Researchers can use this framework in the formation of future behavioral health digital interventions.