Sex-seeking mobile application use and risk behavior among men who have sex with men in Brazil

Abstract

This is a cross-sectional study based on an open web survey with the primary objective to assess associations between the use of apps for seeking sex partners and vulnerabilities related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Brazil. Participants were recruited to the study through ads posted in social media such as Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Consenting respondents completed a questionnaire on demographics, history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and risk behaviors and perceptions, including calculation of the Risk Behavior Score for HIV infection proposed by Rocha et al. Among the 859 participants, 714 (83.1%) reported they used apps for seeking sex partners. Use of apps for seeking sex partners was associated with high-risk behavior for HIV infection, self-reported syphilis, self-perception of HIV risk, and use of marijuana. The use of apps for seeking sex partners has rapidly become the norm for MSM in Brazil. The associations with STIs and risk behaviors should be seen as an opening to improve public health, presenting opportunities to promote knowledge, safer sex practices, and referral to HIV/STI screening and prevention interventions.

Temporal trend and spatial analysis of the HIV epidemic in young men who have sex with men in the second largest Brazilian Amazonian province

“…A previous study in Vietnam among MSM showed that traveling alone and having a university schooling level was associated with casual sex [ 32 ]. In addition, the use of sex-seeking applicatives and recreational drugs in parties is related to an increase in risk to HIV among MSM [ 33 , 34 ].…”

Using social and sexual networking mobile applications to promote HIV testing, medical care and prevention services among Latino men who have sex with men in Los Angeles County, California, USA

“…Research on apps use by MSM is conducted worldwide. Examples of this include studies from Australia [37], Brazil [38,39]; Canada [40], China [41][42][43][44][45][46][47], Ecuador [48,49], England [50], Japan [51], the Netherlands [52], the Philippines [53] and Spain [54,55]. Most of these studies explored topics such as users' experiences connecting with others through apps, engaging in high-risk behaviors, and using apps for obtaining sexual health and HIV prevention information, as well as the opportunities provided for promoting HIV testing and linkage to HIV treatment via apps to users.…”

Educação sexual e vulnerabilidade de usuários de aplicativos, comparações a partir da orientação sexual

“…(8) Os estudos brasileiros que incluem as minorias sexuais usuárias de aplicativos de encontros estão focados, particularmente, em homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH). (9)(10)(11) Entretanto, o entendimento sobre as circunstâncias que levam ao comportamento sexual de risco entre jovens brasileiros, universitários e usuários desses aplicativos é escasso. (12) Essa abordagem é necessária, uma vez que o uso de tecnologia móvel é praticamente universal entre acadêmicos.…”