Acceptability of a Nurse-Supported Mobile HIV Self-Management Intervention Among Thai MSM Living With HIV: A Qualitative Study

ABSTRACT: Understanding intervention acceptability is critical for successful implementation and sustained engagement with mobile health (mHealth) interventions. However, evidence regarding the acceptability of HIV self-management interventions among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV remains limited, particularly in Southeast Asia. Our study explored the acceptability of a mHealth intervention among Thai MSM living with HIV. A descriptive qualitative design was embedded within a mixed methods feasibility study. In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 MSM who completed the intervention, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis guided by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Participants reported positive experiences across seven acceptability domains, highlighting emotional engagement, low burden, intervention coherence, perceived effectiveness, and self-efficacy. Enhanced health awareness and self-management behaviors emerged. Privacy concerns, stigma, and usability challenges emerged as barriers to engagement. These findings suggest that nurse-supported, privacy-sensitive mHealth interventions may strengthen HIV self-management and support implementation among MSM living with HIV.