HealthMpowerment Korea: Pilot Testing the Cultural Adaptation of a Digital HIV Intervention for Men Who Have Sex With Men in South Korea

This study tests a mobile application (app) designed to support sexual health and prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among young men in South Korea. Researchers are interested to learn if the app is acceptable, easy to use, and helpful for young men who have sex with men (MSM). Participants will complete a 15-minute online survey at the start of the study and another 15-minute survey 3 months later. Participants will be randomly assigned to 1 of 2 study groups for 3 months: 1. Intervention Group: Participants receive access to the full mobile app, called Bandi. The app includes health articles, quizzes, community discussion forums, a personal sexual health log, and a clinic finder. 2. Control Group: Participants receive access to a basic version of the app that includes informational articles and the clinic finder only. Researchers will compare both groups over 3 months to see if using the full app leads to higher rates of HIV testing and lower sexual risk behaviors.

Inclusion Criteria: * Male sex assigned at birth and current male gender identity * Aged 18 to 35 years * Current residence in the Seoul Metropolitan area * Korean nationality * Self-identify as a sexual minority (e.g., gay, bisexual, queer, or other non-heterosexual identity) * HIV-negative or HIV-unaware serostatus * Report at least 1 episode of condomless anal intercourse with a male partner in the prior 6 months Exclusion Criteria: * Assigned female at birth or do not currently identify as male * Younger than 18 or older than 35 years of age * Non-residence in the Seoul Metropolitan area * Do not hold Korean nationality * Do not identify as a sexual minority * Known HIV-positive status * No reported episodes of condomless anal intercourse with a male partner in the prior 6 months