Are MSM ready for Smartphone-based electronic readers in HIV Self-Testing? A cross-sectional study among Chinese MSM (Preprint)

BACKGROUND The need for strategies to encourage user-initiated results reporting after HIV self-testing (HIVST) persists. Smartphone-based electronic readers have been shown capable of reading diagnostics results accurately in point-of-care diagnostics and could bridge gaps between HIVST and linkage to care. OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to assess the willingness of Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) to use a smartphone-based electronic reader during HIVST through an online cross-sectional study. METHODS From February to April 2020, we conducted an online survey among Chinese MSM using a pretested structured questionnaire. Survey items were adapted from previous HIVST feasibility studies and modified as required. An online sample of men were recruited through social media platforms. Prior to answering reader related questions, participants watched a video on prototype smartphone-based electronic readers use. All data analysis was conducted using SPSS software 23.0.0. Statistical analysis conducted included descriptively analysis, chi-squared test and binary logistic regression. P-value <0.05 was deemed statistical significance. RESULTS Of 692 completed surveys, 53.3% (369) of participants were aged 26~40 years and 65.9% (456) of participants had ever self-tested for HIV. A total of 493/652 (71%) were willing to use a reader device. Among willing participants, 86.8% (428/493) would recommend it to their sexual partners, and 98% (483/493) agreed that having a smartphone-based electronic reader will increase their HIV testing frequency. 124 of 156 participants who had never used HIVST mentioned that this technology would motivate them to receive a first HIVST test kit. Being aged 26~40years (AOR=0.39, 95%CI=0.16-0.95), and predominantly playing receptive roles during anal intercourse increased likely to of being willing to use a reader (AOR=0.05, 95%CI=0.02-0.13). Also, MSM who engaged in unprotected anal intercourse (AOR=4.03, 95%CI=1.40-11.57) were four times more likely to be willing to use smartphone-based electronic readers than those who always used condoms. Majority of participants (73.5%, 447) preferred to purchase readers from local CDC offices and (51.2%, 311) were willing to pay less than 4.3USD for a reader device. CONCLUSIONS Many MSM were willing to use a smartphone-based electronic reader for HIV self testing. Prototypes are needed to further assess feasibility and usability. CLINICALTRIAL Not applicable

Learning Enhancement or Headache

The availability of e-textbooks is increasing along with the variety of electronic readers. According to the “2010 Horizon Report,” adoption of this technology will be widespread in academia in two to three years as it will “… reduce costs, save students from carrying pounds of textbooks and contribute to the environmental efforts…” (Johnson, Levine, Smith, & Stone, 2010, p.6). Will e-textbooks become favored by faculty in higher education? This paper will examine the benefits and limitations of e-textbooks and the attitudes of faculty and students towards using this radical alternative to the centuries-old standard of education. An exploratory case study of faculty attitudes and usages of e-textbooks at a small liberal arts university was performed.