  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.
