scholarly journals A Crowdsourced Physician Finder Prototype Platform for Men Who Have Sex with Men in China: Qualitative Study of Acceptability and Feasibility

10.2196/13027 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. e13027 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Wu ◽  
Wenting Huang ◽  
Peipei Zhao ◽  
Chunyan Li ◽  
Bolin Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Southern China ◽  
University Education ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Sex With Men

Background Men who have sex with men (MSM), including both gay and bisexual men, have a high prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in China. However, healthcare seeking behaviors and engagement in clinical services among MSM are often suboptimal. Global evidence shows that embedding online HIV or sexual health services into gay social networking applications holds promise for facilitating higher rates of healthcare utilization among MSM. We developed a prototype of a gay-friendly health services platform, designed for integration within a popular gay social networking app (Blued) in China. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acceptability of the platform and ask for user feedback through focus group interviews with young MSM in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, cities in Southern China. Methods The prototype was developed through an open, national crowdsourcing contest. Open crowdsourcing contests solicit community input on a topic in order to identify potential improvements and implement creative solutions. The prototype included a local, gay-friendly, STI physician finder tool and online psychological consulting services. Semistructured focus group discussions were conducted with MSM to ask for their feedback on the platform, and a short survey was administered following discussions. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data in NVivo, and we developed a codebook based on the first interview. Double coding was conducted, and discrepancies were discussed with a third individual until consensus was reached. We then carried out descriptive analysis of the survey data. Results A total of 34 participants attended four focus group discussions. The mean age was 27.3 years old (SD 4.6). A total of 32 (94%) participants obtained at least university education, and 29 (85%) men had seen a doctor at least once before. Our survey results showed that 24 (71%) participants had interest in using the online health services platform and 25 (74%) thought that the system was easy to use. Qualitative data also revealed that there was a high demand for gay-friendly healthcare services which could help with care seeking. Men felt that the platform could bridge gaps in the existing HIV or STI service delivery system, specifically by identifying local gay-friendly physicians and counselors, providing access to online physician consultation and psychological counseling services, creating space for peer support, and distributing pre-exposure prophylaxis and sexual health education. Conclusions Crowdsourcing can help develop a community-centered online platform linking MSM to local gay-friendly HIV or STI services. Further research on developing social media–based platforms for MSM and evaluating the effectiveness of such platforms may be useful for improving sexual health outcomes.

scholarly journals A Crowdsourced Physician Finder Prototype Platform for Men Who Have Sex with Men in China: Qualitative Study of Acceptability and Feasibility (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Wu ◽  
Wenting Huang ◽  
Peipei Zhao ◽  
Chunyan Li ◽  
Bolin Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Southern China ◽  
University Education ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Sex With Men

BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM), including both gay and bisexual men, have a high prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in China. However, healthcare seeking behaviors and engagement in clinical services among MSM are often suboptimal. Global evidence shows that embedding online HIV or sexual health services into gay social networking applications holds promise for facilitating higher rates of healthcare utilization among MSM. We developed a prototype of a gay-friendly health services platform, designed for integration within a popular gay social networking app (Blued) in China. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acceptability of the platform and ask for user feedback through focus group interviews with young MSM in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, cities in Southern China. METHODS The prototype was developed through an open, national crowdsourcing contest. Open crowdsourcing contests solicit community input on a topic in order to identify potential improvements and implement creative solutions. The prototype included a local, gay-friendly, STI physician finder tool and online psychological consulting services. Semistructured focus group discussions were conducted with MSM to ask for their feedback on the platform, and a short survey was administered following discussions. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data in NVivo, and we developed a codebook based on the first interview. Double coding was conducted, and discrepancies were discussed with a third individual until consensus was reached. We then carried out descriptive analysis of the survey data. RESULTS A total of 34 participants attended four focus group discussions. The mean age was 27.3 years old (SD 4.6). A total of 32 (94%) participants obtained at least university education, and 29 (85%) men had seen a doctor at least once before. Our survey results showed that 24 (71%) participants had interest in using the online health services platform and 25 (74%) thought that the system was easy to use. Qualitative data also revealed that there was a high demand for gay-friendly healthcare services which could help with care seeking. Men felt that the platform could bridge gaps in the existing HIV or STI service delivery system, specifically by identifying local gay-friendly physicians and counselors, providing access to online physician consultation and psychological counseling services, creating space for peer support, and distributing pre-exposure prophylaxis and sexual health education. CONCLUSIONS Crowdsourcing can help develop a community-centered online platform linking MSM to local gay-friendly HIV or STI services. Further research on developing social media–based platforms for MSM and evaluating the effectiveness of such platforms may be useful for improving sexual health outcomes.

scholarly journals The contribution of focus group discussions to Aboriginal Australian health service research

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Dawson ◽  
John Daniels ◽  
Kathleen Clapham
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Services Research ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Aboriginal People ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Aboriginal Health ◽  
Service Research ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Services Research ◽  
Group Discussions

Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) are a common way of gathering qualitative data in Aboriginal health services research; however there have been no studies on the question of whether they are appropriate research tools in such contexts, nor are there are specific guidelines available to ensure that FGDs are delivered to collect data in ways that are consistent with Aboriginal approaches to consultation, ownership and ways of knowing. Furthermore, there is a lack of clarity concerning the theoretical and methodological perspectives that could be operationalised by FGDs to gather data, guide analysis and interpretation in ways that are culturally appropriate, ethically sound and rigorous. We undertook a content analysis of Aboriginal health services research studies using FGDs to determine their use and elements that may provide insight into good practice. A framework is proposed to help guide future FGD research with Aboriginal people.

Unlocking Trust in Community Health Systems: Lessons from the Lymphatic Filariasis Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention Pilot Project in Luangwa District, Zambia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph M. Zulu ◽  
Patricia Maritim ◽  
Adam Silumbwe ◽  
Hikabasa Halwiindi ◽  
Patricia Mubita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Lymphatic Filariasis ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Disability Prevention ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Community Health Systems ◽  
Referral Systems ◽  
Depth Interviews

Background: Surgery for hydrocele is commonly promoted as part of morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) services for lymphatic filariasis (LF). However, uptake of these surgeries has been suboptimal owing to several community level barriers that have triggered mistrust in such services. This study aimed at documenting mechanisms of unlocking trust in community health systems (CHS) in the context of a LF hydrocele management project that was implemented in Luangwa District, Zambia. Methods: Qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (n=45) in February 2020 in Luangwa District. Thirty-one in-depth interviews were conducted with hydrocele patients, CHWs, health workers, traditional leaders and traditional healers. Two focus group discussions were also conducted with CHWs who had been involved in project implementation with seven participants per group. Data was analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: The use of locally appropriate communication strategies, development of community driven referral systems, working with credible community intermediaries as well as strengthening health systems capacity through providing technical and logistical support enhanced trust in surgery for hydrocele and uptake of the surgeries. Conclusion: Implementation of community led communication and referral systems as well as strengthening health services are vital in unlocking trust in health systems as such mechanisms trigger authentic partnerships, including mutual respect and recognition in the CHS. The mechanisms also enhance confidence in health services among community members.

scholarly journals Places and people: the perceptions of men who have sex with men concerning STI testing: a qualitative study

2017 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Datta ◽  
David Reid ◽  
Gwenda Hughes ◽  
Catherine H Mercer ◽  
Sonali Wayal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Health Clinics ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Sexual Health Clinics

ObjectivesTo explore the experiences and views of men who have sex with men (MSM) on attending clinical sexual health services and their preferences regarding service characteristics in the context of the disproportionate burden of STIs experienced by this group. The wider study aim was to develop a risk assessment tool for use in sexual health clinics.MethodsQualitative study comprising eight focus group discussions with 61 MSM in four English cities. Topics included: experience of attending sexual health services, perceptions of norms of attendance among MSM, knowledge of, and attitudes towards, STIs and views on ‘being researched.’ Discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed and a thematic data analysis conducted.ResultsAttending sexual health services for STI testing was described as embarrassing by some and some clinic procedures were thought to compromise confidentiality. Young men seeking STI testing were particularly sensitive to feelings of awkwardness and self-consciousness. Black and ethnic minority men were concerned about being exposed in their communities. The personal qualities of staff were seen as key features of sexual health services. Participants wanted staff to be friendly, professional, discreet, knowledgeable and non-judgemental.ConclusionsA range of opinion on the type of STI service men preferred was expressed with some favouring generic sexual and reproductive health clinics and others favouring specialist community-based services. There was consensus on the qualities they would like to see in healthcare staff. The knowledge, conduct and demeanour of staff could exacerbate or ameliorate unease associated with attending for STI testing.

scholarly journals Interactive Mobile Phone HIV Adherence Support for Men who Have Sex with Men in the Philippines: Intervention Development and Pilot Testing in the Philippines Connect for Life Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cara O'Connor ◽  
Katerina Leyritana ◽  
Aoife M Doyle ◽  
James J Lewis ◽  
Randeep Gill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Art Adherence ◽  
Pilot Phase ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Adherence Support ◽  
Sex With Men

BACKGROUND The Philippines HIV epidemic is one of the fastest growing globally, and infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) are rising at an alarming rate. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends use of mobile phone health technologies (mHealth) to engage patients in care and ensure high levels of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Existing mHealth interventions can be adapted and tailored to the context and population served. OBJECTIVE To create a locally tailored intervention using a mobile phone platform to support treatment adherence for HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the Philippines. METHODS A mixed-methods approach guided by the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) framework was used to adapt an existing mHealth adherence support platform for the local setting and target population. Literature review, retrospective clinical record review, and focus group discussions with patients were conducted to understand the drivers of ART adherence and tailor the intervention accordingly. The resulting intervention was pilot tested for eight weeks, followed by focus group discussions with patients who received the intervention to assess the acceptability of the design. RESULTS Key issues contributing to nonadherence included side effects, lack of behavioral skills for pill taking, social support, metal health, and substance use. Patients identified mHealth as an acceptable mode of intervention delivery, and wanted the mHealth services to be highly personalizable. The study team, clinicians, and software developers integrated these findings into the intervention, which included a menu of services: pill reminders, health tips, adherence feedback, appointment reminders, and symptom reporting. During the pilot phase, technical issues in the interactive voice response system (IVRS) were identified and addressed. Patients who participated in the pilot phase expressed a preference for short message service (SMS) over IVRS. Patients responded positively to the appointment reminders and health tips, while patient feedback on daily/weekly pill reminders and adherence feedback was mixed. CONCLUSIONS The mobile phone-based SMS and IVRS intervention was acceptable to MSM in Manila, Philippines, and qualitative analysis suggested the intervention helped promote ART adherence and appointment attendance.

scholarly journals Understanding community member and health care professional perspectives on gender-affirming care—A qualitative study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0255568
Author(s):  
Stephanie Loo ◽  
Anthony N. Almazan ◽  
Virginia Vedilago ◽  
Brooke Stott ◽  
Sari L. Reisner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Catchment Area ◽  
Community Outreach ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

Background Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people experience significant barriers to accessing affirming health services. There is a paucity of literature examining how both community members and health care professionals (HCPs) understand potential causes and solutions for these barriers, particularly in non-urban settings. Objective We present the first systematic examination of perspectives from community members and HCPs regarding barriers to and solutions for promoting access to gender-affirming health care. Design Study activities were conducted through the Plan and Act for Transgender Health (PATH) Project, a health needs assessment of TGD people. Community members in the catchment area were recruited to participate in focus group discussions about access to gender-affirming health care and optimal health service delivery models in March-October 2019. HCPs were recruited to participate in focus group discussions or in-depth interviews about experiences working with TGD clients. Data were analyzed using an inductive grounded theory approach. Setting 25 rural counties in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Participants Study participants included 61 adult TGD community members and 23 HCPs working in the catchment area. Results Both community members and HCPs spoke of the need for connectedness and linkages among disparate health system components for gender-affirming health care. Participants expressed this priority through calls for systems-level improvements within existing services (e.g., expanded data collection, expanded mental health services, inclusive and affirming health care environments, and TGD staff). They also expressed the need for expanded TGD community outreach and engagement (e.g., incorporation of a patient feedback process, TGD health navigators, and resource mapping). Limitations Findings specifically reflect the perspectives of community members and HCPs in the rural New England area. Furthermore, the study sample was predominantly White non-Hispanic. Conclusion Interventions to achieve accessible gender-affirming health care must address the diverse perspectives and needs of both community members and HCPs.

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