Preliminary evaluation of a gamified smartphone intervention (O2O-PEP) for enhancing HIV post-exposure prophylaxis uptake in men who have sex with men: pilot feasibility study

作者：Tianyu Cui, Tianying Li, Luyao Gong, Kexiang Wang, Qianqian Luo · 发表于：BMC Public Health · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1186/s12889-025-22818-w · 被引用次数：4 · 研究领域：HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions、HIV-related health complications and treatments、Mobile Health and mHealth Applications

BACKGROUND: Addressing the burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) has become a major priority. Over the years, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) has proven efficacy in preventing HIV transmission. However, the widespread underutilization of PEP undermines its protective potential. To address this issue, we developed an innovative, gamified mini-app embedded in WeChat, known as O2O-PEP (online-to-offline collaborative model for HIV postexposure prophylaxis), that targets PEP uptake. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to conduct a pilot feasibility study to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of O2O-PEP in promoting PEP uptake among Chinese MSM. METHODS: A single-arm, pre-post feasibility study combing quantitative and qualitative methods for data collection was performed in Qingdao, China. Eligible MSM were invited to use the O2O-PEP for 2 weeks. The mini-app provides an online-to-offline service model, enabling MSM to access PEP-related character-based narratives, share on moments, sexual transmitted disease picture test quizzes, e-Consultation, and referrals to offline PEP service providers. Additionally, gamification features, such as reward-based engagement and social support, are incorporated to enhance user motivation. Intervention feasibility was tested by looking at participant engagement data. The acceptability of the intervention was explored with System Usability Scale (SUS) and in-depth interviews. Pr...