Developing a persona-driven, mHealth-enabled care model for young men with hypogonadism: a methods-based approach to early risk stratification and prevention

TL;DR

This paper introduces a digital health model for young men with hypogonadism, focusing on early risk detection and tailored care through a persona-based approach.

Contribution

A novel mHealth-enabled care model for hypogonadism using Blueprint Persona and co-design methods to address patient-centered needs.

Findings

Young men with hypogonadism showed higher metabolic burden and specific health priorities.

Digital readiness was high despite psychosocial vulnerabilities in the cohort.

A structured mHealth intervention concept was developed through co-design with experts.

Abstract

Early-onset hypogonadism is an emerging cardiometabolic risk marker in young men, yet current care pathways remain fragmented and insufficiently tailored to patients' multidimensional needs. Digital health technologies offer an opportunity to support early risk stratification, promote self-management, and facilitate long-term prevention. This study presents a methodological framework combining Blueprint Persona modeling and multidisciplinary co-design to support the development of tailored digital health interventions.

To apply a persona-based, co-design methodology to develop a patient-centered, mHealth-enabled care model for young men with hypogonadism.

We screened 800 males aged 15–35 years; 55 were diagnosed with hypogonadism. Using the European Commission “Blueprint Persona” methodology, we constructed a representative persona (“Luigi”) and validated it through a multidisciplinary Focus Group (11 experts). Unmet needs were identified and translated into key functional requirements for an mHealth-supported chronic care pathway.

The hypogonadal cohort demonstrated a higher metabolic burden compared to eugonadal peers and reported priorities centred on sexual health, mood and musculoskeletal well-being, and prevention of premature cardiovascular risk. Despite significant psychosocial vulnerabilities, digital readiness was high. The co-design process generated a structured, mHealth-enabled intervention concept integrating teleconsultations, guided diagnostic/therapeutic steps, behavioral monitoring, and adherence-support features.

The Blueprint Persona methodology enabled the systematic translation of clinical, psychosocial, and behavioral insights into a digitally supported care model tailored to young men with hypogonadism. This Methods Article describes the development framework underlying the proposed intervention. A prospective evaluation will assess feasibility, adherence, and impact on cardiometabolic risk and quality of life.

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