scholarly journals Gay Dating App Users Support and Utilize Sexual Health Features on Apps

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Hecht ◽  
Maria Zlotorzynska ◽  
Travis H. Sanchez ◽  
Dan Wohlfeiler
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Online Communities ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
The Past ◽  
Annual Survey ◽  
Dating Apps ◽  
Emory University ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Health Features

AbstractMen who have sex with men (MSM) frequently meet sex partners through dating apps. Research has demonstrated an association between app use and greater number of sex partners and STIs, but dating apps also pose an opportunity for intervention. By advocating for sexual health features on dating apps, Building Healthy Online Communities (BHOC) aims to increase communication about sexual health among app users. In partnership with Emory University, BHOC added questions to an annual survey of MSM. The questions assessed awareness and uptake of profile fields and sexual health features on the dating apps. Among survey participants, 67% (6737/10,129) reported using dating apps to meet a partner in the past year. Among this group, 77% (4993/6525) reported awareness of sexual health features. 61% of app users (2866/4721) who were aware of them reported using one or more sexual health features. BHOC continues to advocate for increased uptake of these features.

Prevalence and risk factors of anogenital human papillomavirus infection in a community sample of men who have sex with men in Taiwan: baseline findings from a cohort study

2019 ◽  
Vol 96 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-66
Author(s):  
Carol Strong ◽  
Huachun Zou ◽  
Nai-Ying Ko ◽  
Ya-Lun Liang ◽  
Wen-Wei Ku ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Human Papillomavirus ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Hpv Vaccination ◽  
Hpv Infection ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Anal Sex ◽  
The Past ◽  
Sex With Men

ObjectivesMen who have sex with men (MSM) are a highly neglected population in the current recommendation of girls-only human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programmes in many countries. To better assess the cost effectiveness of HPV vaccination among men requires data on the prevalence of HPV infection in MSM using a community sample, which is still sparse in several regions. We examined the prevalence of and factors associated with anogenital HPV infection among MSM in Taiwan.MethodsMSM 20 years of age and older were recruited from the community and social media in Taiwan in 2015–2016 and screened for HPV infection to detect 37 genotypes. MSM were seen at baseline and were/will be seen at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. Men completed a questionnaire regarding their sexual experiences. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to identify associated behavioural risk factors using the baseline data.ResultsA total of 253 MSM were recruited; 87 % were below 35 years of age. Diagnosis of HIV was reported in 4% of men; just over 20% had three or more anal sex partners in the past year. The prevalence of any tested HPV type was 29.4% at the anal site and 11% at the penile site. One quarter of MSM were infected with any of the 9-valent vaccine HPV types. Anal HPV detection was associated with having three or more receptive anal sex partners in the past year (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.92, 95% CI 1.29 to 6.61) and having older sex partners (aOR=2.51, 95% CI 1.07 to 5.90).ConclusionsOur data provide the base to calculate the reproductive rate for HPV transmission in a low-risk community sample and cost-effectiveness to include men in HPV vaccination policies. Adding evidence from a community sample adds comprehensiveness for future estimates of disease transmission and vaccine effectiveness.

scholarly journals Patterns of sexualised recreational drug use and its association with risk behaviours and sexual health outcomes in men who have sex with men in London, UK: a comparison of cross-sectional studies conducted in 2013 and 2016

2019 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 197-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyrone J Curtis ◽  
Alison J Rodger ◽  
Fiona Burns ◽  
Anthony Nardone ◽  
Andrew Copas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Risk Behaviours ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Past ◽  
Unknown Status ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Hiv Negative ◽  
Hiv Positive Men

ObjectiveLondon has one of the highest identified prevalence of chemsex (sexualised recreational drug use) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Europe. We examine MSM’s patterns of chemsex and its association with HIV/STI risk behaviours, STI diagnoses and sexual healthcare-seeking behaviours, including if HIV testing behaviour met UK national guidelines (three monthly if engaging in chemsex).MethodsCross-sectional survey data from 2013 (n=905) and 2016 (n=739) were collected using anonymous, self-administered questionnaires from MSM recruited in commercial gay venues in London, UK. Descriptive and multivariable analyses, stratified by self-reported HIV status, were conducted. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% CIs were calculated.ResultsComparing the 2013 and 2016 surveys, chemsex prevalence in the past year remained stable, in both HIV-negative/unknown-status MSM (20.9% in 2013 vs 18.7% in 2016, p=0.301) and HIV-positive MSM (41.6% in 2013 vs 41.7% in 2016, p=0.992). Combined 2013–2016 data showed that compared with other MSM, those reporting chemsex were more likely to report HIV/STI risk behaviours, including condomless anal intercourse with serodifferent HIV-status partners (HIV-negative/unknown-status men: aPR 2.36, 95% CI 1.68 to 3.30; HIV-positive men: aPR 4.19, 95% CI 1.85 to 9.50), and STI diagnoses in the past year (HIV-negative/unknown-status men: aPR 2.10, 95% CI 1.64 to 2.69; HIV-positive men: aPR 2.56, 95% CI 1.57 to 4.20). 68.6% of HIV-negative/unknown-status men reporting chemsex attended sexual health clinics and 47.6% had tested for HIV more than once in the past year.ConclusionsChemsex in London MSM remained stable but high, particularly among HIV-positive men. Irrespective of HIV status, chemsex was associated with engagement in HIV/STI risk behaviours. Frequency of HIV testing in the past year among HIV-negative/unknown-status men was below national recommendations. Promoting combination prevention strategies, including three monthly HIV/STI testing, access to pre-exposure prophylaxis/antiretroviral treatment and behavioural interventions among MSM reporting chemsex, remains vital to address sexual health inequalities in MSM.

Trends and predictors of recent HIV testing over 22 years among a clinic sample of men who have sex with men in South Australia

Sexual Health ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Li ◽  
Peng Bi ◽  
Alison Ward ◽  
Charlotte Bell ◽  
Christopher K. Fairley
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Injecting Drug Use ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Multiple Sex Partners ◽  
The Past ◽  
Sex With Men

Background Increasing the frequency of HIV testing is crucial for effective HIV prevention and care. The aim of the present study was to determine whether there has been a change in HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) at the South Australia Specialist Sexual Health (SASSH) clinic over the past two decades. Methods: Computerised medical records of MSM who attended the SASSH at their first visit between 1994 and 2015 were used to determine whether HIV testing had changed among MSM. First HIV tests in each calendar year and return tests within 12 months were analysed. Factors associated with recent HIV testing were also examined. Results: There were 24 036 HIV tests conducted among 8163 individual MSM over the study period. The proportion of newly registered MSM who reported ever being tested for HIV declined (Ptrend = 0.030), the proportion who reported recent HIV testing did not change (Ptrend = 0.955) and the proportion who have had current HIV testing increased (Ptrend = 0.008). The proportion of MSM who returned to the clinic for HIV testing within 12 months did not change (Ptrend >0.05), with less than 40% of MSM returning for HIV testing. Factors independently associated with recent HIV testing included MSM aged ≥20 years, (odds ratio (OR) 1.79; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.53–2.10), higher education (OR 1.28; 95% CI 1.12–1.45), non-Caucasian (African OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.30–2.17), having multiple sex partners (OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.29–1.69), having had sex interstate (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.42–1.82) or overseas (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.33–1.76) and injecting drug use (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.29–1.88). Conclusions: HIV testing rate among MSM attending SASSH was suboptimal. New approaches are needed to increase the uptake and early detection of HIV infection among the high-priority MSM population.

scholarly journals Alcohol Use, Stigmatizing/Discriminatory Attitudes, and HIV High-Risk Sexual Behaviors among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meizhen Liao ◽  
Dianmin Kang ◽  
Xiaorun Tao ◽  
Jennifer Huang Bouey ◽  
Muktar H. Aliyu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Anal Sex ◽  
The Past ◽  
Male Sex ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Hiv Aids

Objective. This research was conducted to assess the correlates of alcohol consumption and HIV/AIDS-related stigmatizing and discriminatory attitudes among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Shandong province, China.Methods. A cross-sectional survey provided demographics, sexual behaviors, illicit drug use, alcohol consumptions, and service utilization.Results. Of 1,230 participants, 82.8% were single, 85.7% aged <35 years, 47.2% had college or higher education, and 11.7% drank alcohol >3 times per week in the past six months. The average total score of stigmatizing and discriminatory attitude was 37.4 ± 4.4. More frequent episodes of alcohol use were independently associated with higher levels of HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination, unprotected anal sex, bisexual identity, multiple male sex partners, drug use, and lower levels of education. Expressing higher levels of HIV/AIDS-related stigmatizing and discriminatory attitudes was independently associated with alcohol use, unprotected male anal sex, bisexuals, more male sex partners, commercial sex with men, and non-receipt of peer education in the past year.Conclusion. HIV/AIDS-related stigmatizing and discriminatory attitudes are common and associated with alcohol use and unprotected sex among MSM. The finding highlights the needs to develop programs that would reduce HIV/AIDS-related stigmatizing and discriminatory attitudes and strengthen alcohol use prevention and risk reduction initiatives among MSM.

scholarly journals SEX AND THE BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL MODEL: SEXUAL ACTIVITY AND GENDER DISPARITY IN OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S302-S303
Author(s):  
Rebecca Reinhardt ◽  
Zaver D Moore ◽  
Alexandria Nuccio
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Biopsychosocial Model ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Gender Disparity ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
The Past ◽  
And Gender

Abstract The biopsychosocial model emphasizes relational factors such as quality and availability as key components to older adult sexual activity (Gillespie, 2017). Supporting these findings, a previous study found that older adults aged 65 and over reported having more sex in the past six months but fewer sexual partners in the past year than younger adults. The current study seeks to further explore sexual activity by gender specifically, number of sex partners in the last year, and frequency of sex over the past six months in older adults. To better understand sexual activity and gender differences, 499 (male=59.7%, female 40.3%) participants aged 65 to 93 were selected from the de-identified Survey of Midlife in the US database (MIDUS-3). A Weltch T-test was used examining sexual activity among older adults based on gender. Results indicated that the number of sex partners within the past year was similar for females (M=1.10, SD=.49) and males (M=1.04, SD=.28), t(477)=1.62, p=.10, d^=.07. Further, results indicated sex frequency within the last six months was similar between females (M=3.41, SD=1.55) and males (M=3.66, SD=1.48), t(415)=1.76, p=.08, d^=.14. Contrary to previous research, the present findings suggest there are no gender differences in number of sex partners or sex frequency for older adults. The current findings draw attention to potential discrepancies within this under-explored subject area. While implications of these findings can improve communication regarding sexual health, future research should focus on how aspects of the biopsychosocial model can be a protective factor for the sexual health of older adults.

Risk factors for HIV seroconversion in men who have sex with men in Victoria, Australia: results from a sentinel surveillance system

Sexual Health ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca J. Guy ◽  
Tim Spelman ◽  
Mark Stoove ◽  
Carol El-Hayek ◽  
Jane Goller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Incidence ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Anal Sex ◽  
Hiv Diagnosis ◽  
Inconsistent Condom ◽  
The Past ◽  
Incidence Estimate ◽  
Hiv Seroconversion ◽  
Public Health Officials ◽  
Sex With Men

Objectives HIV diagnosis rates in men who have sex with men (MSM) began increasing in Australia 10 years ago, and there has been a major resurgence of syphilis. We determined predictors of HIV positivity and seroconversion among MSM in Victoria, Australia. Methods: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal analysis of data from MSM who underwent HIV testing between April 2006 and June 2009 at three primary care clinics. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of HIV positivity and seroconversion. Results: During the study period, 7857 MSM tested for HIV. Overall HIV positivity was 1.86% (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6–2.2). There were 3272 repeat testers followed for 4837 person-years (PY); 60 seroconverted and HIV incidence was 1.24 (95% CI: 0.96–1.60) per 100 PY. Independent predictors of HIV seroconversion were: an infectious syphilis diagnosis within the last 2 years (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.1–5.7), reporting six or more anal sex partners in the past 6 months (AHR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.8–6.3), reporting an HIV-positive current regular partner (AHR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.1–10.6) and reporting inconsistent condom use with casual partners in the past 6 months (AHR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.7–11.5). Conclusion: Our results call for HIV prevention to target high-risk MSM, including men with a recent syphilis diagnosis or a high numbers of partners, men who have unprotected anal sex with casual partners and men in serodiscordant relationships. The HIV incidence estimate will provide a baseline to enable public health officials to measure the effectiveness of future strategies.

scholarly journals Oral, Vaginal and Anal Sexual Practices among Heterosexual Males and Females Attending a Sexual Health Clinic: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Melbourne, Australia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 12668
Author(s):  
Tiffany R. Phillips ◽  
Heidi Constantinou ◽  
Christopher K. Fairley ◽  
Catriona S. Bradshaw ◽  
Kate Maddaford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Practices ◽  
Health Clinic ◽  
Oral Sex ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Anal Sex ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Past ◽  
Vaginal Sex

Sex practices among heterosexuals are not well studied. We aimed to explore sexual practices among heterosexuals attending a sexual health clinic. This cross-sectional survey was conducted at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between March and April 2019. Data were collected on kissing, oral sex (fellatio or cunnilingus), vaginal sex, anal sex and rimming in the previous 3 months. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between engaging in anal sex and other sex practices. There were 709 participants (333 men; 376 women) who were eligible and completed the survey (response rate was 24.6%). In the past 3 months, most participants had had vaginal sex (n = 677; 95.5%), with a mean of 3.0 (standard deviation (SD): 3.9) vaginal sex partners, and half reported engaging in condomless vaginal sex in the past 3 months (n = 358; 50.1%). A total of 135 (19.0%) participants had had anal sex, with a mean of 1.3 (SD: 1.0) anal sex partners, with 63.5% (n = 94) engaging in any condomless anal sex in the past 3 months. Most participants (n = 637, 89.8%) had received oral sex in the past 3 months; this proportion did not differ by age group or gender. Women (n = 351, 93.4%) were more likely to perform oral sex than men (n = 275; 82.6% men) (p < 0.001) and to have received rimming (26.6% women vs. 12.6% men; p < 0.001). Men were more likely to have performed rimming (25.5% men vs. 9.3% women; p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, number of partners and sexual practice, anal sex was associated with being ≥35 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.3; 95% CI: 1.2–4.2), receiving rimming (aOR: 3.8; 95% CI: 2.4–6.0) and performing rimming (aOR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.8–4.6). Rimming and anal sex are practiced by one-fifth or more of heterosexuals. Older heterosexuals were more likely to engage in anal sex and to perform rimming. Future research should consider the benefits of testing extragenital sites where appropriate.

scholarly journals Leading by Example: Web-Based Sexual Health Influencers Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Have Higher HIV and Syphilis Testing Rates in China (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Wu ◽  
Weiming Tang ◽  
Haidong Lu ◽  
Tiange P. Zhang ◽  
Bolin Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
College Education ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Syphilis Testing ◽  
Male Sex ◽  
Sex With Men

BACKGROUND The spread of healthy behaviors through social networks may be accelerated by influential individuals. Previous studies have used lay health influencers to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among internet-using men who have sex with men (MSM). However, there is a lack of understanding of the characteristics of this key subset of MSM. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine sociodemographic characteristics, HIV and syphilis testing, and sexual behaviors of Web-based MSM sexual health influencers (SHIs) in China, defined as individuals with relatively stronger influence on spreading HIV and STI information online. METHODS A Web-based survey of MSM was conducted in August 2017 as a final follow-up of a randomized controlled trial promoting HIV testing in 8 Chinese cities. Men were recruited through a gay social networking mobile phone app and were included if they were born biologically male, aged 16 years and above, ever had sex with another man, and HIV negative or with unknown HIV status. Information regarding sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, and HIV and syphilis testing was obtained. We assessed men’s Web-based sexual health influence using a standardized 6-item opinion leadership scale focused on HIV and STI information. Influencers were defined as those whose mean score ranked within the top 13% (a higher score means greater influence). We used multivariable linear and logistic regression models to measure Web-based sexual health influence’s association with HIV and syphilis testing, controlling for intervention trial effects, age, education, income, and marital status. RESULTS Overall, 1031 men completed the survey. Most men were younger than 30 years (819/1031, 79.43%) and had at least college education (667/1031, 64.69%). Influencers were more likely to get tested for HIV (73/132, 55.3% vs 337/899, 37.5%; P<.001) and syphilis (35/132, 26.5% vs 137/899, 15.2%; P=.001) in the last 3 months compared with noninfluencers. There were no significant differences in condomless sex with male partners (26/132, 19.7% vs 203/899, 22.6%; P=.46), mean number of male sex partners (1.32 vs 1.11; P=.16) in the last 3 months, and mainly meeting male sex partners online in the last 12 months (97/132, 73.5% vs 669/899, 74.4%; P=.82) between influencers and noninfluencers. Regression analyses showed that influencers had higher odds of HIV testing (adjusted odds ratio, AOR 2.16, 95% CI 1.48-3.17) and syphilis testing (AOR 1.99, 95% CI 1.28-3.10) in the last 3 months. CONCLUSIONS We identified Web-based SHIs who might be more likely to help promote healthy HIV and syphilis testing behaviors through MSM populations. Leveraging existing influencers may help improve HIV and syphilis testing among their networks.

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