Overview
This study aims to develop and evaluate a multi-component mHealth intervention (mHC and FRESH) to reduce HIV-related and intersectional stigma and improve PrEP use among HIV-negative young transgender women (TGW) in Thailand.
Description
This study uses a Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) design to adapt, refine, and evaluate two mobile-based interventions: Mobile Healthy Choices (mHC) and Finding Respect and Ending Stigma around HIV (FRESH). The interventions are designed to address stigma, improve empowerment, and enhance uptake and adherence to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The study includes formative research, intervention adaptation, beta testing, and a pilot factorial randomized trial among TGW aged 18-29 in Bangkok, Thailand, with follow-up over 6 months
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 18-29 years
- Male sex at birth
- Self-identify as transgender woman/female spectrum
- HIV-negative (laboratory confirmed)
- Recent condomless sex
- Able to understand Thai
- Not on PrEP or poorly adherent (≤3 pills/week)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Serious cognitive or psychiatric condition affecting consent
- Active suicidal ideation or major mental illness
- Medical contraindications to PrEP
- Enrolled in another HIV intervention study
