Effectiveness of digital health interventions in promoting the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care continuum among men who have sex with men (MSM): A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Digital health interventions have demonstrated great potential to advance HIV prevention and care. However, their effectiveness in improving the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care continuum has not yet been validated. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of digital health interventions in enhancing the PrEP care continuum among men who have sex with men (MSM) populations. RECENT FINDING: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across four databases-PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library-to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before July 2, 2024. Out of the 3,539 records initially identified, 12 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies were conducted in the United States (10/12, 83.3%), with the remaining 2 studies conducted in China. Participant ages ranged from 18 to 65 years. The studies employed various digital health tools, including mobile apps, text message, and social media platforms. While digital health interventions were found to be feasible and acceptable, only a few studies demonstrated statistically significant increases in PrEP utilization and adherence. Digital health interventions have demonstrated potential to enhance the PrEP care continuum in MSM populations. Future research should focus on large-scale, multicenter trials that combine digital tools with personalized, culturally sensitive strategies to improve PrEP uptake and adherence. Integrating big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and non-digital approaches like community outreach and psychosocial support could further strengthen the effectiveness of these interventions.

• Epidemiology and Determinants of Health
  • Determinants of Health
• Determinants of Health
  • Social support
  • Health services
  • Stigma/discrimination
• Population(s)
  • Men who have sex with men
  • General HIV- population
• Prevention, Engagement and Care Cascade
  • Prevention
• Prevention
  • Biomedical interventions
  • Education/media campaigns
• Health Systems
  • Delivery arrangements