Co-Designing Digital Health Intervention for Monitoring Medication and Consultation Among Transgender People in Underserved Communities: Collaborative Approach
Authors: Oluokun Emmanuel Oluwatosin , Adedoyin Festus Fatai , Dogan Huseyin , Jiang Nan 
Published: September 2024

Background

In many parts of the world, men who have sex with men and transgender individuals face criminalization and discrimination. As a result, they are less likely to seek medical help, despite experiencing higher rates of HIV/AIDS, mental health issues, and other health problems. Reaching key populations (KPs) with essential testing, care, and treatment services can be challenging, as they often have a higher likelihood of contracting and spreading the virus. They have limited access to antiretroviral (ARV) therapy (ART) services, which means that KPs may continue to serve as reservoirs for new HIV infections if they do not receive effective HIV programming. This ongoing issue complicates efforts to control the epidemic. Therefore, modeling a digital health system to track ARV medication access and use is crucial. This paper advocates for the use of digital interventions to manage the health of KPs in underserved regions, using Nigeria as a case study.

Objective

This study aims to assess digital health interventions for monitoring medication and consultations among transgender people in underserved communities. It also sought to determine whether a system exists that could support ART adherence in Nigeria. Additionally, the study evaluated design strategies to address privacy and confidentiality concerns, aiming to reduce nonadherence to ARV medications among KPs in Nigeria.

Methods

A qualitative approach was adopted for this research, involving a thematic analysis of information collected from interviews with clinicians and other health practitioners who work directly with these communities, as well as from an interactive (virtual) workshop.

Results

The findings from the thematic analysis indicate a need to increase attendance at ART therapy sessions through the implementation of an intensive care web app. Unlike previous solutions, this study highlights the importance of incorporating a reminder feature that integrates with an in-app telemedicine consultancy platform. This platform would facilitate discussions about client challenges, such as adverse drug effects, counseling sessions with clinical psychologists, and the impact of identity discrimination on mental health. Other data-driven health needs identified in the study are unique drug request nodes, client-led viral load calculators, remote requests, and drug delivery features within the web app. Participants also emphasized the importance of monitoring medication compliance and incorporating user feedback mechanisms, such as ratings and encouragement symbols (eg, stars, checkmarks), to motivate adherence.

Conclusions

The study concludes that technology-driven solutions could enhance ART adherence and reduce HIV transmission among transgender people. It also recommends that local governments and international organizations collaborate and invest in health management services that prioritize health needs over identity.