title: HIV-Prevention Opportunities With GPS-Based Social and Sexual Networking Applications for Men Who Have Sex With Men.
abstract: The goal of this study was to gain insight on the sexual health needs of men who have sex with men (MSM) who use GPS-based social and sexual networking mobile applications (apps) and the future utility of app-based interventions. A health educator promoted HIV-testing resources in four popular apps used by MSM. Content analysis was used to identify salient themes that emerged from the conversations. Four major themes were identified: (1) soliciting sexual encounters, (2) relationship building, (3) HIV and STI-testing inquiries, and (4) seeking other sexual health information. The results suggest the intervention's social media-based strategy, respect for community culture, and unobtrusive approach was advantageous in establishing credibility and rapport with app users. These results highlight a need for convenient and discreet methods to access accurate sexual health information and suggest that apps provide an alternative, non-traditional venue for sexual health education in addition to HIV testing promotion.
authors.affiliation: The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Wendasha
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Jenkins Hall
authors.affiliation: School of Community Health, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon.
authors.forename: Christina J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.affiliation: The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Amanda E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Tanner
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Lilli
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mann
authors.affiliation: Triad Health Project, Greensboro, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stowers
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
authors.forename: Scott D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Rhodes
mesh_terms: D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D063731:Mobile Applications / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D060728:Reproductive Health; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners; D060756:Social Networking