I started conducting interviews when one of my clients completed KIU. During one of these interviews, one of my clients told me how KIU motivated them to get on PrEP. His partner was HIV positive and undetectable, but then his partner cheated, brought an STI home, and risked being knocked out of his undetectable status. My client was nervous and talked to his boyfriend about starting condom use, but his boyfriend refused. He came to me for advice, and I asked him, “Well, what has KIU taught you about consent? What has KIU taught you about condom negotiation?” While his relationship ended as a result of his partner’s choices, it was this situation that encouraged him to start PrEP. Hearing his story and helping him through it with KIU, it made me feel like, this is why KIU is here; this is why I’m doing this; this is why I’m happy to continue doing this; this is why I’m in this field.

I like KIU because it is a very easy way for me to ensure my clients are getting accurate knowledge about their sexual health even in my absence as their health counselor. The animations and super realistic scenarios really help put things into perspective as well and it’s a great way to have a potentially awkward conversation via technology!

Keep It Up! has been great for APRI clients because it offers a fun and accessible way to learn about sexual health topics. During the pandemic, our in-person interactions with clients have been curtailed, so offering individuals an interactive program that can be accessed anywhere, on their own time, has been a game-changer. Furthermore, clients have expressed that the program is insightful, easy to use, and fun.  Along with APRI’s more traditional educational services, Keep It Up! has provided APRI clients with another solid option to meet their sexual health needs.