A Digital Gaming Intervention to Improve HIV Testing for Adolescents and Young Adults: Protocol for Development and a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Two strategies of the US Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative are early diagnosis of infections via widespread testing and prevention of new infections using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). These strategies are particularly important for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) who are disproportionately affected by HIV, particularly if they identify as Black and/or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and others (LGBTQ+). This study will develop and test an interactive life-simulation game in which players can enact real-life behaviors and receive their HIV risk profile to improve HIV testing and PrEP access among AYAs aged 13-24 years in Washington, DC. Objective: This mixed methods study aims to determine the acceptability of an interactive, enhanced life-simulation game prototype among AYAs, conduct a pilot test of the gaming intervention among a small cohort of AYAs to ensure game usability and acceptability, and evaluate the efficacy of the game in a randomized controlled study with AYAs at risk for HIV in Washington, DC. Methods: This research protocol will be conducted in 3 phases. A formative phase will involve surveys and focus groups (n=64) with AYAs living in the DC area. These focus groups will allow researchers to understand youth preferences for game enhancement. The second phase will consist of a pilot test (n=10) of the gaming intervention. This pilot test will allow researchers to modify the game based on formative results and test the planned recruitment and data collection strategy with intended end users. The third phase will consist of a randomized controlled study among 300 AYAs to examine the efficacy of the life-simulation game compared with app-based HIV educational materials on HIV and PrEP in changing HIV testing, knowledge, risk behaviors, and PrEP access. Participants will have unlimited access to either the life-simulation game or the educational app for 3 months from the time of enrollment. Study assessments will occur at enrollment and at 1, 3, and 6 months post enrollment via e-surveys. At 6 months, a subset of intervention participants (n=25) will participate in in-depth exit interviews regarding their experience being in the study. Results: Institutional review board approval was received on February 5, 2020. This project is currently recruiting participants for the formative phase. Conclusions: This interactive life-simulation intervention aims to increase HIV testing and PrEP access among AYAs in the DC area. In this intervention, players can enact real-life behaviors and receive their HIV risk profile to promote HIV testing and PrEP seeking. Such an intervention has great potential to improve knowledge of HIV and PrEP among AYAs, increase motivation and self-efficacy related to HIV testing and PrEP use, and decrease individual and structural barriers that often preclude engagement in HIV prevention services.