Preferences for eHealth interventions to improve sexual health and prevent HIV for Vietnamese young men who have sex with men.

Abstract

There is a lack of effective electronic health (eHealth) interventions focusing on sexual health among adolescent and young men who have sex with men (AYMSM), especially those in low-resource settings. We conducted a qualitative study with AYMSM in Vietnam and explored their perceptions and preferences on eHealth interventions to improve their sexual health and prevent HIV. From December 2022 to March 2023, we invited AYMSM in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to participate in in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed following a combination of deductive and inductive analytic approaches. Overall, 21 participants were enrolled in the study. Overall perceptions regarding eHealth interventions were positive. Perceived usefulness of eHealth interventions included improved knowledge of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, facilitators of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use, convenience, discreetness, affordability, and suitability for young people. Some concerns for eHealth interventions included confidentiality and trustworthiness. Mobile apps were the preferred format of eHealth interventions. Desirable features included connection with their peers and healthcare providers, tracking of behaviors and test results, support for PrEP use, delivery of test kits and condoms, and support for persons living with HIV. Participants suggested a variety of strategies to improve reach, credibility, and user interface of these interventions. To conclude, eHealth interventions have great potential to meet the diverse sexual health needs of AYMSM. Our findings suggest a need to address concerns on trustworthiness and confidentiality as well as employ creative strategies to make the interventions more appealing and accessible to AYMSM.