Table 1. Overview of data collection methods, location, and characteristics by study.
| Study name | Location | Focus groups participants | Study inclusion criteria | Description of intervention | How the formative version was tested by participants |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LYNX (ATN 140) | Chicago | 4 groups*, 18 participants | Age 15–24; assigned male sex at birth and male-identified; not known to be HIV-infected (self-report); regular access to a smartphone; English proficient; self-reported of one or more risk behaviors for HIV acquisition; one or more episode of anal intercourse with a male partner | App promoting HIV testing and PrEP uptake among MSM | Participants were shown screenshots and wireframes of app at initial groups and gave feedback. Participants briefly used the app prior to participating in a second focus group |
| Tampa | 4 groups*, 10 participants, 2 individual interviews | ||||
| MyChoices (ATN 141) | Boston | 2 groups, 15 participants | Age 15–24; assigned male sex at birth and male-identified; not known to be HIV-infected (self-report); regular access to a smartphone; English proficient; self-reported of one or more risk behaviors for HIV acquisition; one or more episode of anal intercourse with a male partner | App promoting HIV testing and PrEP uptake among MSM | Participants were shown a demonstration of the app and group leaders elicited feedback on features and content |
| New York City | 2 groups, 13 participants | ||||
| YouTHrive (ATN 138) | New York City | 2 groups, 13 participants | Age 15–24; HIV-positive and currently on ART medication; self-report missed doses in the past month; a patient at one of the participating study clinics; English proficient | Mobile-optimized website for increasing viral suppression among youth living with HIV | Participants were shown a demonstration of the website and group leaders elicited feedback on features and content |
| Chicago | 2 groups, 11 participants | ||||
| Houston | 2 groups, 10 participants | ||||
| P3 (ATN 142) | Boston | Individual usability testing with 7 participants | Age 16–24; self-reported HIV-negative; assigned male sex at birth; self-identify as MSM or TGW English proficient; familiar with using an Android or iOS smartphone; PrEP experienced or interest in taking PrEP | App supporting MSM and TGW PrEP adherence | Participants used an app prototype 1-on-1 with study staff and gave feedback on features, content, and usability |
| Chicago | Individual usability testing with 5 participants | ||||
| TechStep (ATN 160) | Philadelphia | 1 group, 5 participants | Age 15–24; self-identify as trans feminine, trans masculine or gender non-conforming; sex, past year; self-report HIV negative; have a smartphone; English proficient | App or text messages promoting behavioral risk reduction and PrEP uptake among trans youth | Participants were shown screenshots of the app or the library of text messages and gave feedback on content and features |
| New York City | 2 groups, 11 participants | ||||
| Los Angeles | 2 groups, 11 participants | ||||
| Houston | 2 groups, 7 participants |
ART, antiretroviral therapy; HIV, human immunodeficiency virus; MSM, men who have sex with men; PrEP, pre-exposure prophylaxis; TGW, transgender women.