O001 Digital Sex and the City: Prevalent use of dating apps amongst heterosexual attendees of genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics: Abstract O001 Table 1

Abstract

Background/introductionStudies show that use of dating apps amongst men who have sex with men (MSM) is associated with an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. There is a paucity of research regarding the use of similar apps amongst the heterosexual population.Aim(s)/objectivesTo quantify heterosexual use of dating apps and explore the sexual practices of app users.MethodsAnonymised questionnaires were offered to heterosexual attendees of two GUM clinics, throughout August 2015. Respondents self-completed information relating to purpose and frequency of app use, number of sexual partners, recreational drug use (RDU), condomless sex and STI diagnoses.ResultsQuestionnaires were returned by 539 attendees: 70% (377) women, 30% (162) men. Median age was 21–30 years.Abstract O001 Table 1Use of mobile phone appsTotalMenWomenEver used dating app132 (24%)45/132 (34%)87/132 (66%)Frequency of app useMonthly34/132 (26%)14/45 (31%)20/87 (23%)Every few months16/132 (12%)7/45 (16%)9/87 (10%)Reason for app useSeeking long term relationship85 (64%)11 (24%)74 (85%)Seeking casual sex13 (10%)9 (20%)4 (5%)Sex with app partnerUnprotected52 (39%)25 (56%)27 (31%)Protected59 (45%)13 (29%)46 (53%)RDU with app partner13 (10%)12 (26%)1 (1%)Diagnosed with STI after meeting app partner6 (5%)2 (4%)4 (5%)Would request STI testing kit via app62%Would value sexual health information via app57%DiscussionA quarter of heterosexual GUM attendees frequent apps to find partners. This study identified high rates of STIs, condomless sex and RDU amongst app users, with rates mirroring those seen amongst MSM. Sexual health promotion and/or STI testing packages would be welcomed by most app users.ConclusionA quarter of heterosexual GUM attendees frequent apps to find partners. This study identified high rates of STIs, condomless sex and RDU amongst app users, with rates mirroring those seen amongst MSM. Sexual health promotion and/or STI testing packages would be welcomed by most app users.

Dating Apps and Their Sociodemographic and Psychosocial Correlates: A Systematic Review

“…On the one hand, some studies find a relationship between being a user of dating apps and performing more risky sexual behaviors (e.g., having more sexual partners, less condom use, more relationships under the effects of alcohol and other drugs), both among men from sexual minorities [ 19 ] and among heterosexual individuals [ 32 , 41 , 62 ]. On the other hand, some research has found that, although app users perform more risky behaviors, especially having more partners, they also engage in more prevention behaviors (e.g., more sex counseling, more HIV tests, more treatment) and they do not use the condoms less than non-users [ 18 , 50 , 64 , 79 ].…”