Title: Implementing Mobile Health as a Tool to Improve HIV and Substance Use Disorder Care: A Focus on Spanish-Speaking Communities
Abstract: Hispanic/Latino and Spanish-speaking people living with HIV (PLWH) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) face disparities in medication adherence and appointment retention. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies have shown promise in improving these outcomes, but effectiveness among Spanish-speaking populations remains understudied. This mixed-method descriptive study, guided by an implementation science framework, systematically reviewed existing literature to identify barriers and facilitators influencing treatment adherence and compared findings to the ongoing ART-C (Antiretroviral Therapy + Connections app) study. Ninety records were identified across three databases; three studies met inclusion criteria and were analyzed using qualitative thematic synthesis. Results revealed barriers including language inaccessibility, stigma, privacy concerns, and limited digital literacy, while facilitators included bilingual content, peer support, and health promoting self-monitoring tools. Preliminary comparisons with the ART-C study app showed alignment with several facilitators but identified gaps that require further analysis. However, findings so far emphasize the need for equitable, culturally responsive mHealth implementation.