Views, barriers, and facilitators of people living with human immunodeficiency virus and healthcare professionals regarding the use of a mobile health application to improve HIV self-care in Malaysia

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: Not applicable - qualitative study

• Effect Size: Not applicable - qualitative study

• Primary Outcome: Three main themes: (1) Perceived benefits and concerns regarding m-HA usage, (2) Perceived motivators of m-HA, (3) Perceived influences to use m-HA

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Not applicable - qualitative study exploring perceptions and experiences

• Confidence Interval: Not applicable - qualitative study

Clinical Application

Findings suggest feasibility dependent on addressing data security concerns, preventing information overload, and ensuring peer/HCP endorsement for uptake Relevant to Australian HIV care given similar smartphone penetration and digital health initiatives, though cultural adaptation needed for Indigenous and CALD communities. Could inform PBS-funded digital health interventions and align with National Digital Health Strategy People living with HIV in resource-appropriate settings with smartphone access, particularly relevant to Malaysian and similar Southeast Asian healthcare contexts

Abstract

AIM: The views, barriers, and facilitators of people living with HIV (PLWH) and healthcare professionals (HCPs), regarding the use of a mobile health application (m-HA) to improve HIV self-care were explored. SUBJECT AND METHODS: Seventeen PLWH, nine doctors and two nurses who owned a smartphone and understood English or Malay were recruited from the infectious disease clinic of a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted face-to-face using a topic guide, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Two researchers independently coded transcripts and met to resolve discrepancies and develop themes. Data collection continued until thematic saturation was achieved. RESULTS: Three themes emerged: (1) Perceived benefits and concerns regarding m-HA usage: participants perceived m-HA could improve knowledge, but expressed concerns regarding information overload. Participants viewed m-HA as a means to enhance access to hospital services like clinic visits, medication refills, communication with HCPs, and medical records documentation. However, concerns regarding misuse, data confidentiality and security remained. (2) Perceived motivators of m-HA: participants perceived that high utilitarian and hedonic motivators increase m-HA usage. (3) Perceived influences to use m-HA: participants believed PLWH would use m-HA if introduced by their peers or HCPs. CONCLUSION: These findings provided information for developing a patient-centred m-HA to improve HIV self-care in Malaysia.