title: Sexual Preferences and Presentation on Geosocial Networking Apps by Indian Men Who Have Sex With Men in Maharashtra.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The affordability of smartphones and improved mobile networks globally has increased the popularity of geosocial networking (GSN) apps (eg, Grindr, Scruff, Planetromeo) as a method for men who have sex with men (MSM) to seek causal sex partners and engage with the queer community. As mobile penetration continues to grow in India, it is important to understand how self-presentation on GSN app is relevant because it offers insight into a population that has not been largely studied. There is very little information about how Indian MSM discuss their sexual preferences and condom preferences and disclose their human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status with potential sex partners on Web-based platforms.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to describe how self-presentation by Indian MSM on GSN apps contributes to sexual preferences, HIV or sexually transmitted infection (STI) disclosure, and if the presentation differs due to proximity to the Greater Mumbai or Thane region.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between September 2013 and May 2014, participants were recruited through banner advertisements on gay websites, social media advertisements and posts, and distribution of print materials at outreach events hosted by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and HIV service organizations in Maharashtra, India. Eligible participants self-identified as being MSM or hijra (transgender) women, living in Maharashtra, aged above 18 years, having regular Internet access, and having at least one male sex partner in the previous 90 days.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Indian MSM living inside and outside the Greater Mumbai or Thane region reported an average of 6.7 (SD 11.8) male sex partners in the last 3 months; on average HIV status of the sex partners was disclosed to 2.9 (SD 8.9). The most commonly used websites and GSN apps by MSM living inside Greater Mumbai or Thane region were Planetromeo, Grindr, and Gaydar. Results demonstrated that MSM used smartphones to access GSN apps and stated a preference for both condomless and protected anal sex but did not disclose their HIV status. This low level of HIV disclosure potentially increases risk of HIV or STI transmission; therefore, trends in use should be monitored.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our data helps to fill the gap in understanding how Indian MSM use technology to find casual sex partners, disclose their sexual preference, and their HIV status on Web-based platforms. As mobile penetration in India continues to grow and smartphone use increases, the use of GSN sex-seeking apps by MSM should also increase, potentially increasing the risk of HIV or STI transmission within the app's closed sexual networks.
authors: Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Sceince Center Houston, Houston, TX, United States.
authors: Jayson
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9002-0798
authors: J
authors: Rhoton
authors: Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Sceince Center Houston, Houston, TX, United States.
authors: J Michael
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0815-8577
authors: JM
authors: Wilkerson
authors: The Humsafar Trust, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
authors: Shruta
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9248-0272
authors: S
authors: Mengle
authors: The Humsafar Trust, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
authors: Pallav
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2308-6738
authors: P
authors: Patankar
authors: School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.
authors: B R Simon
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8862-531X
authors: BR
authors: Rosser
authors: Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.
authors: Maria L
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7587-2899
authors: ML
authors: Ekstrand
keywords: HIV; homosexuality; mobile health; prevention and control; urban health