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Acceptability and Feasibility of Using Established Geosocial and Sexual Networking Mobile Applications to Promote HIV and STD Testing Among Men Who Have Sex with Men

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Abstract

This study is the first published multi-app study, of which we are aware, to evaluate both the acceptability and feasibility of providing sexual health information and HIV/STD testing referrals via established geosocial and sexual networking apps for MSM. Data were collected using an online survey and through four apps (A4A Radar, Grindr, Jack’d, and Scruff). Two-thirds (64 %) found apps to be an acceptable source for sexual health information. MSM who found apps as acceptable were more likely non-white, not sure of their current HIV status, and have low HIV testing self-efficacy. One-quarter (26 %) of informational chats with the health educator resulted in users requesting and being referred to local HIV/STD testing sites. There were significant differences in the number and types of interactions across apps. Established apps designed for MSM may be both an acceptable and feasible platform to promote HIV/STD testing. Future research should evaluate interventions that leverage this technology.

Resumen

Este es el primer estudio publicado sobre aplicaciones múltiples que conocemos, realizado para evaluar la aceptabilidad y la viabilidad de proporcionar información de salud sexual y derivaciones para pruebas de VIH/ETS por medio de aplicaciones geosociales diseñadas para conexiones sociales y sexuales para HSH (hombres que tienen sexo con hombres). La información fue recopilada por medio de una encuesta en línea, y a través de cuatro aplicaciones (A4A Radar, Grindr, Jack’d, y Scruff). Dos tercios (64 %) de los encuestados respondieron que las aplicaciones eran una fuente aceptable para proveer información de salud sexual. Los HSH que encontraron las aplicaciones aceptables fueron principalmente hombres que no eran de raza blanca quienes no estaban seguros de su seropositividad, y cuyas pruebas de VIH son irregulares. Una cuarta parte (26 %) de las charlas informativas con el educador de salud dieron lugar a que los usuarios solicitaran y fueran referidos a sitios de pruebas de detección del VIH/ETS en su localidad. Hubo diferencias significativas en el número y tipos de interacciones dependiendo de las aplicaciones usadas. Las aplicaciones para HSH pueden ser una plataforma aceptable y viable para promover pruebas de VIH/ETS. Investigación futura debe evaluar intervenciones que aprovechen esta tecnología.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to sincerely thank the study participants for their time and openness and Addison Ore for her support and insights. This material is based upon support from the National Institutes of Health (R01MH092932; PI: Scott D. Rhodes).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Division of Public Health Sciences, Medical Center Boulevard, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA

    Christina J. Sun, Cindy Miller & Scott D. Rhodes

  2. Triad Health Project, Greensboro, NC, USA

    Jason Stowers

  3. Infectious Diseases Section, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC, USA

    Laura H. Bachmann

Authors
  1. Christina J. Sun
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  2. Jason Stowers
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  3. Cindy Miller
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  4. Laura H. Bachmann
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  5. Scott D. Rhodes
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Correspondence to Christina J. Sun.

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Sun, C.J., Stowers, J., Miller, C. et al. Acceptability and Feasibility of Using Established Geosocial and Sexual Networking Mobile Applications to Promote HIV and STD Testing Among Men Who Have Sex with Men. AIDS Behav 19, 543–552 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-014-0942-5

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