Perspectives of girls and young women affected by commercial sexual exploitation: Mhealth as a tool to increase engagement in care

Abstract

Objective. We gathered the perspectives of girls and young women affected by commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) to understand the acceptability and feasibility of mobile health (mHealth) for enhancing access and engagement in health and social services during judicial involvement. Methods. We conducted four focus groups with 14 girls and young women (ages 14 to 21) with self-identified CSE histories. Results. Participants perceived mHealth as viable for accessing and engaging providers, and health and social services, and navigating judicial systems. Participants expressed that mHealth tools increased self-efficacy and self-navigation of required services. Recommendations to improve mHealth functionality included push-notification appointment reminders, wellness and safety promotion, enhancement of provider communication, peer-to-peer support, and access to health education and community resources. Conclusions. Findings provide insight for how mHealth may be leveraged to increase self-management skills, fulfill judicial obliga-tions, and improve access and engagement in health and social services for CSE-affected girls and young women.