Developing and testing a digital harm reduction app for GBMSM engaging in chemsex: a feasibility study grounded in users' lived experiences.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chemsex, involving substances like methamphetamine, GHB/GBL, and mephedrone among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), poses HIV and health concerns. Despite existing integrated care programs, uptake remains low, highlighting a missed opportunity for self-help harm-reduction digital strategies. This study employs a collaborative design approach, integrating insights from the community on the app prototype and assessed usability to guide future interventions.

Methods

The app prototype was built on two design principles: recovery as a continuum with evolving goals like harm reduction and temporarily not using, and harm reduction dimensions on drug-, sex-, and HIV-related harms. Features were integrated into UPrEPU, a user-centered app supporti

SUBMITTER: Strong C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12639721 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature