Research Symposium

BIO

My name is Quentin Adkins and I am from Oviedo, FL near Orlando. I am a second year student at Florida State where I am currently studying sociology and starting Nursing School this fall.

An App-Based Approach to Addressing HIV and Associated Stigmas

Abstract

Progress has been made towards ending the HIV epidemic as new resources and educational tools have significantly decreased HIV incidence. However, in the United States young Black and Latinx men who have sex with men and transgender women (YBLMT) continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV. According to the CDC more than 40% of all new infections occurred amongst Black people in 2019. Historical and ongoing intertwined stigma and discrimination around race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation all contribute to higher HIV incidence and lower rates of receiving care. The HealthMpowerment (HMP) study delivered an app-based intervention to address stigma, discrimination, and increase engagement with HIV prevention and care. The app provides a platform to build a diverse community and provide resources and educational tools for HIV health and wellness. This study aimed to evaluate the intervention's effectiveness by understanding changes in feelings of stigma and discrimination and changes in engaging in prevention and care behaviors.

Keywords: LGBTQ+, Public Health, Digital Health