ArticleJMIR formative research2022
Ethical Issues in the Use of Smartphone Apps for HIV Prevention in Malaysia: Focus Group Study With Men Who Have Sex With Men.
Article in JMIR formative research, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 10 papers.
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Who cites it
10 citing papers in PubMed.
- Clinic-Integrated Smartphone App (JomPrEP) to Improve Uptake of HIV Testing and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Malaysia: Mixed Methods Evaluation of Usability and Acceptability.JMIR mHealth and uHealth · 2023Trial
- Designing a Gamified mHealth App for HIV Prevention and Comorbidities Among Malaysian Young Men Who Have Sex With Men: An Interdisciplinary Expert Panel Study.Journal of medical Internet research · 2026Article
- Feasibility and Preferences to Adopt mHealth-Based Interventions for HIV Prevention Among High-Risk Groups: Cross-Sectional Study.JMIR human factors · 2026Article
- Leveraging mHealth interventions to reduce sex- and drug-related risk behaviors among chemsex-involved men who have sex with men: evidence from a qualitative study.Harm reduction journal · 2026Article
- "Frontiers in digital health · 2026Article
- Adaptation of a Theory-Based Mobile App to Improve Access to HIV Prevention Services for Transgender Women in Malaysia: Focus Group Study.JMIR formative research · 2024Article
- High Interest in the Use of mHealth Platform for HIV Prevention among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Nepal.Journal of community health · 2024Article
- Preferences for mHealth Intervention to Address Mental Health Challenges Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Nepal: Qualitative Study.JMIR human factors · 2024Article
- Evaluation of Chinese HIV Mobile Apps by Researchers and Patients With HIV: Quality Evaluation Study.JMIR mHealth and uHealth · 2024Article
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Authors and funding
11 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundThe use of smartphone apps can improve the HIV prevention cascade for key populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM). In Malaysia, where stigma and discrimination toward MSM are high, mobile health app-based strategies have the potential to open new frontiers for HIV prevention. However, little guidance is available to inform researchers about the ethical concerns that are unique to the development and implementation of app-based HIV prevention programs.
objectiveThis study aimed to fill this gap by characterizing the attitudes and concerns of Malaysian MSM regarding HIV prevention mobile apps, particularly regarding the ethical aspects surrounding their use.
methodsWe conducted web-based focus group discussions with 23 MSM between August and September 2021. Using in-depth semistructured interviews, participants were asked about the risks and ethical issues they perceived to be associated with using mobile apps for HIV prevention. Each session was digitally recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were inductively coded using the Dedoose software (SocioCultural Research Consultants) and analyzed to identify and interpret emerging themes.
resultsAlthough participants were highly willing to use app-based strategies for HIV prevention, they raised several ethical concerns related to their use. Prominent concerns raised by participants included privacy and confidentiality concerns, including fear of third-party access to personal health information (eg, friends or family and government agencies), issues around personal health data storage and management, equity and equitable access, informed consent, and regulation.
conclusionsThe study's findings highlight the role of ethical concerns related to the use of app-based HIV prevention programs. Given the ever-growing nature of such technological platforms that are intermixed with a complex ethical-legal landscape, mobile health platforms must be safe and secure to minimize unintended harm, safeguard user privacy and confidentiality, and obtain public trust and uptake.
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