Using a mobile app with a talking Avatar to improve HIV care for African American men who have sex with men
A mobile phone intervention using a relational human talking Avatar to promote multiple stages of the HIV Care Continuum in African American MSM
This study is testing a friendly mobile app with a talking Avatar to help African American men who have HIV stay on track with their treatment and improve their health, all while providing support and information in a way that feels personal and comfortable.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10532193 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a mobile phone application featuring a relational human talking Avatar designed to support HIV-positive African American men who have sex with men (AAMSM). The app aims to enhance retention in care, adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and achieve viral suppression through personalized engagement and support. By utilizing a theory-driven approach, the Avatar provides empathetic communication, educational resources, and motivational stories, all tailored to the user's cultural context and literacy level. Participants can interact with the app in the comfort of their own homes, making it a convenient tool for improving health outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are HIV-positive African American men who have sex with men, particularly those aged 18-34.
Not a fit: Patients who are not HIV-positive or those who do not identify as African American men who have sex with men may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve health outcomes for HIV-positive African American men by increasing their retention in care and adherence to treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Previous pilot studies have shown promising results with similar mobile health interventions, indicating potential efficacy in improving health outcomes.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dworkin, Mark S — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Dworkin, Mark S
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.