Development of a Smartphone Mobile App for HIV Care and Prevention in YMSM

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Over the past decade, the number of people living with HIV has increased while the annual number of new infections has remained relatively stable. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly young black/African American MSM (YBMSM), are disproportionately impacted. The number of new cases among people aged 13-29 years increased by 21% from 2006 to 2009, fueled by a 34% increase in HIV infections among young gay and bisexual men. Although MSM represented about 7% of the male population in the United States in 2010, MSM accounted for 78% of new HIV infections among males and 63% of all new infections. Innovation: Smartphone mobile apps present innovative opportunities for discreet, targeted outreach to young MSM (YMSM). HIV care, prevention, and health maintenance interventions, which can be delivered to the subject or their care partner through smartphone apps, have the potential to increase HIV testing, facilitate immediate linkage to approp