Factors associated with awareness and usage of safer sex functions in dating apps among MSM, 2019 American Men’s Internet Survey (AMIS) study. Open Access

Zhang, Haisu (Spring 2021)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/j3860818h?locale=en
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Abstract

Increasing use of dating apps among United States men who have sex with men (MSM) raises serious sexual health issues, but also presents new opportunities for sexual health interventions targeting MSM if we can ensure adequate and equitable uptake. Uptake of these interventions may be substantially influenced by various types of stigma and discrimination experienced by MSM. This study explored the associations between perceived community intolerance of gay/bisexual people, 3 types of sexuality-related stigma and the awareness and usage of safer sex functions in dating apps among MSM. Four safer sex functions in dating apps were examined in dating apps, HIV profile, sexual strategy profile, sexual health testing reminders, and sexual health information and resources. Data from 7700 MSM in the 2019 American Men’s Internet Survey were analyzed using multivariable Poisson regression with robust variance, controlling for demographic characteristics. Results are reported as adjusted prevalence ratios (APR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Overall, 82.6% of the participants reported being aware and 41.6% reported usage of at least one safer sex function offered by dating apps. Increasing perceived intolerance was associated with reduced awareness of sexual health strategy profile (APR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93~0.98) and sexual health information and resources (APR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94~0.99), and increasing usage of sexual health information and resources among MSM with known HIV status. Increasing stigma from family and friends and anticipated health-care stigma were associated with reduced awareness of some safer sex functions. Stigma from family and friends was also significantly associated with increased usage of sexual health reminders (APR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.02~1.28) and sexual health information and resources (APR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.31). Our results showed that safer sex functions in dating apps could be effective supplement ways to access sexual health services for MSM with stigma and discrimination experience. Meanwhile, more efforts should be made to address the reduced awareness of safer sex functions among MSM with stigma and discrimination experience. Hopefully, the safer sex functions could help MSM develop better sexual health behaviors, reduce their risk of getting HIV/STI and improve their HIV/STI testing rate.

Table of Contents

Abstract.......................................................................................................................... 1

Introduction.................................................................................................................... 3

Methods.......................................................................................................................... 6

Study Population and Procedures.......................................................................... 6

Measures................................................................................................................ 7

Analyses................................................................................................................. 8

Result............................................................................................................................. 9

Study population.................................................................................................... 9

Awareness and usage of safer sex functions in dating apps................................. 12

Perceived community intolerance and safer sex function awareness/usage........ 12

Recent stigma experience and safer sex function awareness/usage.................... 15

Discussion.................................................................................................................... 17

Conclusion................................................................................................................... 21

Reference..................................................................................................................... 22

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