Technology-Based Interventions, with a Stepped Care Approach, for Reducing Sexual Risk Behaviors and Increasing PrEP Initiation Among Transgender and Gender Expansive Youth and Young Adults

Abstract

TechStep was a technology-based trial, with a stepped care approach, to reduce sexual risks and increase PrEP uptake among transgender and gender expansive youth and young adults (15–24 years old). From October 2019 to September 2021, 254 participants were randomized into: 1) Text (n = 82), or 2) Webapp (n = 87), or 3) Control (n = 85). At the 3-month follow-up assessment, those randomized to Text and Webapp and did not demonstrate improvement on primary outcomes were re-randomized to receive virtual eCoaching (Text + or Webapp +), or to remain in their initial condition without eCoaching. Results showed no effect on condomless encounters at 6-month, the primary endpoint, when comparing the Webapp + (0.33 decrease; 95%CI: -0.01, 0.67, p-value = 0.057) or the Text + (0.27 decrease; 95%CI: -0.13, 0.68, p-value = 0.181) conditions to the Control condition. However, in secondary analyses, condomless encounters were significantly reduced for Text compared to Control. The rate of PrEP uptake was low for all study arms.

Trial registration: Clinical Trials # NCT04000724 (registered June 26, 2019).