"It's Not Going out of My Way If I'm Already on It": Practical Considerations for Mobile Sexual Health Interventions from the Perspectives of Young Black Adults

Background: In an effort to improve the documented and sustained racial disparities in adverse sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes experienced by young Black adults (YBA), many researchers have turned their attention to technology-based interventions. Such interventions, which have involved the use of text messages, mobile applications, podcasts, games, and social media, have been associated with increased knowledge and positive behavioral change, with effects being particularly strong among interventions informed by the experiences and preferences of Black young adults themselves. Adding to this promising body of knowledge related to young Black adults and mobile SRH interventions, the present study seeks to explore broad level considerations for mobile technology-based SRH interventions involving a range of potential mediums (i.e., text messages, apps, social media, podcasts, and games) among members of this demographic. This broader perspective is needed as extant studies have typically explored perceptions related to specific pilot interventions. More general insights can be used to support the development of both small- and large-scale mobile technology-based SRH promotion efforts by those within and outside of the academy.

Methods: 19 young Black adults (aged 18-24) were recruited using snowball sampling techniques with the support of a university-affiliated community engagement service. Participants (10 women, 9 men) engaged in semi-structured interviews which explored STI and HIV prevention behaviors, social media and mobile technology usage, and interest in mobile SRH promotion efforts. Interview data were inductively analyzed using methods drawn from constant comparative analysis.

Results: Participants’ considerations for mobile SRH interventions were organized into four themes. Interest is dependent on perceived value highlights the importance of clearly communicating the alignment between mobile SRH interventions and young Black adults’ SRH-related needs and wants. Content should be relevant and applicablereflects the types of content that may contribute to an SRH intervention being seen as valuable, such as information related to dating and relationships. Mediums come with advantages and disadvantages explores the strengths and limitations of each proposed medium (i.e., text messages, apps, social media, podcasts, and games), particularly as they relate to young adults’ mobile technology practices (e.g., social media is accessible, but engagement with content tends to be short in duration). Delivery method impacts interest captures insights related to how content should be communicated. In this study, participants were particularly interested in material being communicated in a humorous manner, or through relatable stories delivered by fellow young Black adults.

Conclusion: Study findings have applicability for those with a range of technological interests and expertise. For those with lower levels of technical expertise and interest in potentially more accessible mediums such as text messages, social media accounts, and podcasts, findings can be used to support informed decision-making in regard to content and delivery, platform choice, and selections of hosts and guests. Those with more specialized technical expertise and interest in game or app-based interventions may similarly be inspired by findings to ensure that games are relatable and entertaining, and that apps present a clear value to young Black adults.