2016/08/19 by Eric Rice, Robin Petering, Rice, Eric +10
Computer Science · Economics, Econometrics and Finance · Health Professions · Medicine · #Artificial Intelligence (cs.AI) #Computers and Society (cs.CY) #FOS: Computer and information sciences #HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk #Homelessness and Social Issues #Mental Health and Patient Involvement #Microfinance and Financial Inclusion #cs.AI #cs.CY
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1608.05701
arxiv created 2016/08/19 · openalex publication_date 2016/08/19 · arxiv updated 2016/08/22 · openalex created_date 2022/10/02 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Objective. To pilot test an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm that selects peer change agents (PCA) to disseminate HIV testing messaging in a population of homeless youth. Methods. We recruited and assessed 62 youth at baseline, 1 month (n = 48), and 3 months (n = 38). A Facebook app collected preliminary social network data. Eleven PCAs selected by AI attended a 1-day training and 7 weekly booster sessions. Mixed-effects models with random effects were used to assess change over time. Results. Significant change over time was observed in past 6-month HIV testing (57.9%, 82.4%, 76.3%; p < .05) but not condom use (63.9%, 65.7%, 65.8%). Most youth reported speaking to a PCA about HIV prevention (72.0% at 1 month, 61.5% at 3 months). Conclusions. AI is a promising avenue for implementing PCA models for homeless youth. Increasing rates of regular HIV testing is critical to HIV prevention and linking homeless youth to treatment.