# Compare

> **NIH NIH U19** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2020 · $725,165

## Abstract

Background: Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are at exceptionally high risk for HIV infection in 
the United States (US). Increasing awareness of HIV status and expanding access to Pre-Exposure 
Prophylaxis (PrEP) for high-risk HIV-uninfected YMSM is essential for reducing the population burden of 
disease; however, overall rates of testing and PrEP uptake among young MSM are suboptimal. Smartphone 
use has nearly reached saturation among youth in the US, making mobile technology a particularly promising 
tool for engaging youth, who are typically difficult to reach through standard clinic services. Overview: 
Informed by prior formative research with YMSM in the US, two distinct apps, LYNX and MyChoices, were 
developed to increase HIV testing and PrEP uptake among YMSM using different underlying theoretical 
models and user engagement approaches. In years 1-2 of the iTech, we will have optimized and pilot-tested 
these mobile apps for feasibility and acceptability. In the current project, we propose to: (Aim 1): Synthesize 
the results of two pilot studies conducted in Years 1-2 of the iTech of two HIV prevention apps (LYNX and 
MyChoices) among YMSM, in order to tailor and finalize the design of a RCT of app efficacy. Using a priori 
feasibility and acceptability criteria, we will determine whether both, only one or neither app will be tested in a 
full-scale RCT; (Aim 2) conduct an RCT to assess efficacy of LYNX and MyChoices to improve HIV testing 
and PrEP uptake among YMSM. If both apps are acceptable and feasible (Aim 1), 450 YMSM at four iTech 
SRVs will be enrolled and randomized to one of three conditions: a) MyChoices app, b) LYNX app, or c) 
control condition which consists of referrals to local HIV/STI testing resources. Participants will complete 
quarterly online assessments over 12 months of follow up. The primary outcomes will be proportion with 0 vs. 
≥1 HIV test during the 12-month interval (via self-report) and PrEP starts via self-report); (Aim 3): To develop a 
strategy to disseminate efficacious HIV prevention apps, to characterize cost metrics, and to provide 
recommendations that will allow implementing programs to fully consider the most appropriate ways to use 
technology-based solutions to increase HIV testing and PrEP uptake. Innovation: If either or both apps prove 
to be efficacious and cost-effective, this innovative technology has the potential to reach a large population of 
at-risk YMSM across the US, increase HIV testing and PrEP uptake among those at highest risk and reduce 
the burden of HIV in this population. Although there is expanding interest in the use of technology-based 
interventions to enhance HIV prevention efforts, few studies have rigorously evaluated the efficacy of these 
approaches. Further, no published study has compared two apps, developed with different theories of 
behavior change, head-to-head for efficacy in health behavior change.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9955299
- **Project number:** 5U19HD089881-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** Lisa B Hightow-Weidman
- **Activity code:** U19 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $725,165
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → 2022-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9955299

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9955299, Compare (5U19HD089881-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9955299. Licensed CC0.

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