HIV-prevention Opportunities With GPS-based Social and Sexual Networking Applications for Men Who Have Sex With Men
Published In
AIDS Education and Prevention
Document Type
Citation
Publication Date
2-2017
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.
Locate the Document
DOI
10.1521/aeap.2017.29.1.38
Persistent Identifier
http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/20198
Citation Details
Jenkins Hall, W., Sun, C. J., Tanner, A. E., Mann, L., Stowers, J., & Rhodes, S. D. (2017). HIV-Prevention Opportunities With GPS-Based Social and Sexual Networking Applications for Men Who Have Sex With Men. AIDS Education and Prevention, 29(1), 38-48.