Concept of Self-identity and using Avatars to access HIV information

This project seeks to highlight recent work done at the University of Florida to create avatar-based public health trainings for patients and public health workers, specific to HIV/AIDS. While several research projects examining the association of self-identity and avatars have been conducted, associated with popular video games, there has been a void related to medical application.This study aims to assess self-identification among patients and public health workers using avatars to obtain HIV/AIDS information.Voki.com was used to create a total of eight avatars based on ethnic and gender differences and the research team created a website that offers medical-based answers, through videos of avatars, pertaining to common HIV/AIDS questions from patients. Upon accessing the website, the participant, had the option to choose their own avatar and complete a basic demographic survey. The research team then compared the chosen avatar to the demographic characteristics reported by the participant.This website, loaded with 800 videos, has been operational since November 14^th 2014 and has been accessed over 500 times. Findings showed participants chose the avatar based off of their own ethnicity, there were more requests for the Caucasian-female avatar, and more females avatars were chosen over males.The use of avatars is increasing, is cost-effective, and also allows patients to feel more comfortable asking stigma-laden questions not directly to another person (Gordon et al, 2009). Providers who offer individuals choices in how to receive information can help increase knowledge and awareness and may lead to an increase in engagement to care among individuals infected.