scholarly journals HIV Information Acquisition and Use among Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men Who Use the Internet: A Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

Author(s):  
Megan Threats ◽  
Keosha Bond
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan Threats ◽  
Keosha Bond

BACKGROUND Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disproportionately affects young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) in the United States. Electronic health (eHealth) and mobile health (mHealth) hold significant potential for supporting engagement in HIV prevention and care, and the delivery of HIV information to YBMSM. OBJECTIVE To investigate technology utilization, internet access, and HIV information acquisition and use among YBMSM. METHODS An online survey and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Survey findings informed the development of the interview guide. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the survey sample, and interview data was analyzed thematically using modified grounded theory methodologies. RESULTS Among the internet sample (N=83), the average age was 29.2 years, 41% of participants self-reported living with HIV, 43.4% were HIV-negative, and 15.6% were unsure of their HIV-status. Most participants (95%) acquired HIV information through the Internet while using a mobile phone. Online HIV information was intentionally sought from consumer health information websites (37.3%), government health information websites (30%), and social media sites (17%). Most men incidentally acquired HIV information via advertisements on social media sites and geospatial dating applications (65.39%), postings on social media sites from their online social ties (53.84%), and advertisements while browsing the Internet (48.72%). Despite the Internet being the top source of HIV information, healthcare providers were the most preferred (50.6%) and trusted (96%) source of HIV information. HIV information was used to facilitate the utilization of HIV prevention and treatment services. The qualitative sample included YBMSM across a range of ages and at different points of engagement in HIV prevention and treatment. Qualitative findings included the importance of the Internet as a primary source of HIV information. The Internet was used due to its ease of accessibility, the ability to maintain anonymity while searching for sensitive information, and to mitigate against stigma in healthcare settings. Participants used HIV information to assess their risk for HIV/AIDS, support their self-efficacy for HIV prevention and treatment, inform patient-doctor communication, and to learn about HIV prevention and treatment options. Men expressed concerns about their diminishing access to online spaces for HIV information exchange among YBMSM due to website censorship policies, and the “stigmatizing” tone of HIV information presented in mass media campaigns. CONCLUSIONS YBMSM in this sample had high utilization of the internet and mobile technologies for HIV information acquisition and use, but diminished access to their preferred and most trusted source of HIV information: healthcare providers. Future eHealth and mHealth HIV prevention and treatment interventions should support communication between patients and healthcare providers. Findings demonstrate the need for culturally appropriate HIV messaging, and online spaces for informational support exchange among YBMSM.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. e0139320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah M. Peitzmeier ◽  
Faiza Yasin ◽  
Rob Stephenson ◽  
Andrea L. Wirtz ◽  
Altanchimeg Delegchoimbol ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 3905-3915 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Rodriguez-Hart ◽  
◽  
Cory Bradley ◽  
Danielle German ◽  
Rashelle Musci ◽  
...  

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. e100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn E Muessig ◽  
Cedric H Bien ◽  
Chongyi Wei ◽  
Elaine J Lo ◽  
Min Yang ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanne ML Zimmermann ◽  
Ward PH Bilsen ◽  
Anders Boyd ◽  
Maria Prins ◽  
Frenk Harreveld ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
pp. sextrans-2020-054911
Author(s):  
Clarisse Sri-Pathmanathan ◽  
Definate Nhamo ◽  
Takudzwa Mamvuto ◽  
Gwendoline Chapwanya ◽  
Fern Terris-Prestholt ◽  
...  

ObjectivesSelf-testing for STIs such as HIV and syphilis may empower sexual minorities and expand uptake of STI testing. While much is known about HIV self-testing (HIVST), less is known about syphilis self-testing, particularly in low-income settings. The objective of this study is to determine context-specific facilitators and barriers for self-testing and to assess the usability of syphilis self-testing in Zimbabwe among men who have sex with men (MSM).MethodsThis mixed methods study was conducted in Harare as part of a larger syphilis self-testing trial. The study included in-depth interviews (phase I) followed by usability testing and a second interview (phase II). In-depth interviews were conducted with MSM and key informants prior to syphilis self-testing. The same MSM then used the syphilis self-test, quantitatively assessed its usability and participated in a second in-depth interview. Phase I data were analysed using a thematic approach, guided by an adapted social ecological model conceptual framework. Phase II interviews were analysed using rapid assessment procedure methodology, and usability was assessed using a pre-established index, adapted from existing HIVST scales.ResultsTwenty MSM and 10 key informants were recruited for phase I in-depth interviews, and 16 of these MSM participated in phase II by completing a syphilis self-test kit. Facilitating factors for self-testing included the potential for increased privacy, convenience, autonomy, and avoidance of social and healthcare provider stigma. Barriers included the fear to test and uncertainty about linkage to care and treatment. Data from the Usability Index suggested high usability (89.6% on a 0–100 scale) among the men who received the self-test.ConclusionsMSM in Zimbabwe were willing to use syphilis self-test kits and many of the barriers and facilitators were similar to those observed for HIVST. Syphilis self-testing may increase syphilis test uptake among sexual minorities in Zimbabwe and other low-income and middle-income countries.


Contraception ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 161
Author(s):  
Justine Wu ◽  
Teresa Gipson ◽  
Nancy Chin ◽  
L.L. Wynn ◽  
Kelly Cleland ◽  
...  

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