STARTing Strong: Helping HIV-Positive Men Thrive with Better Treatment Adherence

Overview: Living with HIV comes with its challenges, and for stimulant-using HIV-positive men, sticking to treatment plans can be even harder—especially when they’re spread across different locations with limited support. That’s where START (Supporting Treatment Adherence for Resilience and Thriving) comes in. Part of the iHott (Improving Health Outcomes Through Technology) program, this mHealth intervention is more than just an app—it’s a helping hand. START is designed to help men build emotional strength, develop positive habits, and manage their HIV more effectively, all from the palm of their hand.

Challenge:

Staying on top of HIV treatment isn’t always easy, especially for stimulant-using men who often face both social and personal hurdles. Factors like mental health struggles, isolation, and the demands of daily life can make it tough to stick to ART (antiretroviral therapy) schedules. When support systems are out of reach, the risk of missed doses and health complications rises. The challenge? Creating a simple, yet impactful way to keep these men connected, motivated, and in control of their health—no matter where they are.

Solution:

Radiant Digital developed and deployed an app designed to monitor ART adherence while helping users build resilience and stay positive. The START app isn’t just about reminders—it’s about real-life support. Here’s how it helps:

With START, managing HIV becomes less overwhelming and more about thriving—not just surviving.

Technologies Used:

Outcomes:

Conclusion:

The START app is more than just technology—it’s a lifeline for many. By blending emotional support with smart tools, it helps HIV-positive men overcome daily challenges, stay on track with their treatment, and live healthier, fuller lives. Because when people feel supported, they don’t just manage their health—they thrive.