HIV target intervention for the queer community through the the digital space
Context
This study aims to explore the potential of digital platforms, particularly dating apps, to provide HIV-targeted interventions for the queer community.
For this project I have collaborated with ARTC centre and HIV Testing centre in Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, Naharlagan.
The project seeks to venture into digital space to reach out to the queer community in Arunachal Pradesh.
Research helped us map the journey a user has to take to come to the hospital and appropriate steps that has to be taken to counsel them into getting tested.
Timeline
4 months
Role
Responsible for ethnography research, concept ideation and implementation
OVERVIEW
(01)
SECONDARY RESEARCH (02)
Traditionally, HIV interventions have focused on physical locations known as "hotbed".
While physical interventions have been extensively implemented, there is a notable absence of targeted HIV interventions on online platforms, such as Grindr - the largest social networking app where the gay community frequently connects, primarily for sexual encounters.
(03)
WHAT WAS THE PROBLEM
How do we approach the people from the queer community in the dating platform?
How do we assure them of anonymity?
How do we convince them to get tested?
WHAT ARE WE SOLVING
We’ve explored a different approach to connecting with users of the app.
The promise of anonymity.
Complete assistance on the entire process from testing, diagnosis and treatment.
USER RESEARCH & FINDINGS
(04)
We analyzed the survey data focusing on things that could be improved when developing a system that incorporates HIV target intervention through direct engagement with an online HIV Navigator.
UNDERSTANDING THE PATIENTS (05)
I sat down with the councillors at the hospital to understand the entire process, from the initial testing to the treatment phase. This gave me an understanding of their workflow.
ECOSYSTEM MAPPING
An Ecosystem mapping of the HIV care centre in Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) , Naharlagun was done to understand how different components of the hospital ecosystem interact and influence one another.
By visualizing and understanding these relationships, hospitals can identify opportunities for improvement, optimize workflows, enhance collaboration, and ultimately provide better patient care.
HIV TESTING CENTRE WORKFLOW
What did the counsellor say?
Awareness about testing is mainly on special occasions
Doctor Visit does not happen at the testing stage
The location of the ICTC Testing centre and Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (TRIHMS) has little privacy
People are not open about their sexual history
People walk away and do not get tested after counselling
Onboarding
Counselling Room
ARTC Entrance
Onboarding
The biggest hurdle will be convincing people the first step of testing
Privacy
There is little to no privacy around the councelling and testing centre.
Accessibility
No proper signage to easily locate the ARTC centre
IDEATION (06)
WORST CASE SCENARIO
A worst-case scenarios are created to assess and mitigate risks, anticipate extreme user experiences and ensure safety preparedness when recruting participants through Grindr. We made sure to have all the necessary identification on hand to make the participants have trust while getting recrutied online.
Thereafter,
A profile was made on Grindr to recruit participants
Hospital Visit: Spoke about the project with the doctor and the counsellor
April: 5 participants from 17 respondents were recruited for the interview
With the help of the counsellor explained to them about HIV testing and the study
Convinced them to come for HIV testing to the ICTC Centre
An amount of Rs 300 was given to them for their travel
JOURNEY MAPPING (07)
The participants who agreed to come for testing were received and briefed on what we were doing. I was fortunate to accompany one person who agreed to let me tag along with him throught his treatment process.
A user journey mapping was created to gain a holistic understanding of the user's experience, uncover pain points, identify opportunities for improvement, and enhance the overall user experience.
Onboarding
The users are scared about being scammed
Comple Assistance
The users may need handholding till they get tested
Build Trust
Trust should be built by the online navigators in order for the people on the app to get tested
Privacy
The entire process must be private. and the physical spaces should maintain privacy.
OUTCOME AND RECOMMENDATION (08)
Based on the insights gathered from the diary study, user journey and speaking to the participants, a best case scenario was created for the online navigators to follow, and then necessary recommendations were made.
BEST CASE SCENARIO
RECOMMENDATION (09)
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