Mapping online information needs of patients with sexually transmitted infections: A grounded theory investigation (Preprint)

BACKGROUND According to the World health organization (WHO), more than one million sexually transmitted infections are acquired each day across the world. The incidence rates of STDs in the US are at a record high for the fourth consecutive year. Due to the stigma associated with the incidence of STD, there is a general reluctance to seek information in person, and online information sources remain the primary avenues of information seeking. However, these sources are designed without a comprehensive understanding of the information needs of individuals who have contracted STDs. OBJECTIVE To discover the information needs of individuals who (suspect they) have contracted a sexually transmitted disease (STD). A better understanding of their information needs can drive the design of more effective online forums. METHODS This is a qualitative and analytical study of 549 transcripts (consisting of queries posted over the last ten years) from online forums of the American Sexual Health Association, which allows patients, volunteers, and healthcare providers to connect anonymously. The analysis follows a grounded theory (GT) approach with multiple coding stages to discover categories and themes. RESULTS Three categories of information needs emerge. The first two, Clinical and Logistical, are similar to other contexts. However, our analysis shows that there is a significant need for the last category - Psychosocial information. Approximately 59% of instances are linked to concerns such as confusion, discretion, remorse, and others. These needs vary across the stages of a patient journey (from symptom manifestation to treatment maintenance). CONCLUSIONS Responding to the needs of individuals who (suspect they) have contracted an STD requires compassionate and personalized responses (beyond factual clinical and logistical information). Online forums provide anonymity but do not adequately incorporate mechanisms, practices, or incentives to respond to diverse psychosocial concerns. Innovative approaches to add such support can make the online forums more effective for this group of individuals.

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An exploratory assessment of the preference for eHealth interventions to prevent HIV and sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men in Hanoi, Vietnam

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-020-09449-z ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Long Hoang Nguyen ◽

Huong Lan Thi Nguyen ◽

Mattias Larsson ◽

Bach Xuan Tran ◽

Mart L. Stein ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

High Rate ◽

Online Information ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Perceived Need ◽

Reliable Source ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Online Sources

Abstract Background Electronic health (eHealth) interventions are promising in HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) prevention among men who have sex with men (MSM), given a high rate of the Internet use in this population. This study determined the preferences for eHealth interventions to prevent HIV and STIs among MSM in Hanoi, Vietnam to guide the development of future eHealth interventions. Methods Five focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with 35 MSM recruited by purposive sampling in January 2018 in Hanoi, Vietnam. The FGDs addressed attitudes towards the feasibility and uptake of HIV/STI interventions via online modalities such as smartphone applications (apps, social network sites, or emails); preferences and concerns regarding an online HIV/STI intervention. FGDs were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis was used to determine themes. Results MSM reported that they commonly searched for information regarding HIV/STI and sexual health on Facebook and a variety of mobile apps. They perceived a lack of reliable online sources, a high need, and interest for an online intervention. Most of them preferred short and concise messages without perceived sensitive words such as “HIV” or “STI”. Diversity of online modalities were preferred with information from credible sources about HIV/STI symptoms, testing and treatment, safe sex practices and testing locations with a focus on safe MSM-friendly clinics. Concerns about the need to trust the organization behind the online information and interventions, and the importance of confidentiality when participating in online interventions were raised. Conclusion High acceptance and perceived need for an online HIV/STI intervention were reported. The importance of establishing trust within the MSM community as a reliable source of information was emphasized, as well as the importance of confidentiality.

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