Contextual factors in geosocial-networking smartphone application use and engagement in condomless anal intercourse among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men who use Grindr

Sexual Health ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 549 ◽  
Author(s):  
William C. Goedel ◽  
Dustin T. Duncan
Keyword(s):  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Sexual Practices ◽  
Receptive Anal Intercourse ◽  
Sexual Behaviours ◽  
Insertive Anal Intercourse ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Geosocial Networking ◽  
Sex With Men

Background Geosocial-networking smartphone applications (apps) have been used increasingly by men who have sex with men (MSM) to meet new sexual partners. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between contexts of app use (e.g. using apps when drinking) and condomless anal intercourse among a sample of MSM who use these apps. Methods: MSM (n = 174) in New York City were recruited through Grindr, a geosocial-networking app popular among MSM, using broadcast advertisements asking MSM to complete an Internet-based survey about their app use and sexual behaviours. Log-binomial regression models were fit to assess the association between each of the six app-use contexts (e.g. using apps when lonely, when drinking) and engagement in condomless insertive and receptive anal intercourse with one or more partners in the past 3 months. Results: Engagement in condomless receptive and insertive anal intercourse with one or more partners in the preceding 3 months was common (39.7% and 43.1% respectively) and was associated with several app-use contexts. For example, significant associations (P < 0.05) were observed between alcohol and other drug use when using these apps and engagement in condomless receptive and insertive anal intercourse. Conclusion: Given that 57.5% of respondents had engaged in condomless anal intercourse in the preceding 3 months and the associations of app-use contexts with condomless sexual behaviours, these findings suggest that reductions in substance use may lead to safer sexual practices among MSM who use apps to meet sexual partners.

Geosocial networking app use associated with sexual risk behavior, but also PrEP use, among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men: Cross-sectional web-based survey (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurel Prescott Gibson ◽  
Emily B Kramer ◽  
Angela D. Bryan
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Geosocial Networking ◽  
Sex With Men

BACKGROUND In the United States, geosocial networking (GSN) applications (i.e., mobile dating apps) have become central to dating and sexual interactions in recent years. Among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM), these apps play an important role in reducing barriers and facilitating partner-seeking. However, despite these benefits, there are concerns that these apps may facilitate risky sexual behavior and transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among GBM. OBJECTIVE The present study examined the association between GSN app use and sexual risk among a U.S. sample of GBM. METHODS Using a cross-sectional design, respondents (N = 223) completed an online survey assessing their use of GSN apps, sexual risk and protective behaviors, HIV serostatus, and previous STI diagnoses. RESULTS Respondents were ages 21-78 (M = 31.90, SD = 10.06), 69.5% Non-Hispanic White, and from 40 States and the District of Columbia. Nearly half (47%; n = 104) of the sample reported using GSN apps. GSN users were more likely to report past year condomless anal intercourse (p < .001), 3+ sexual partners in the previous year (p < .001), and a previous STI diagnosis (p = .001) relative to non-users, and also reported more frequent use of recreational drugs before sex (p = .001), alcohol use before sex (p < .001), and cannabis use before sex (p = .01). Interestingly, GSN users were also more likely to report having ever received an HIV test (p < .001) and using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP; p = .03). Rates of HIV seropositivity did not significantly differ between GSN users and non-users (p = .53). Among the subset of GSN users, 38 participants reported using only GBM-specific GSN apps (e.g., Grindr), while 27 participants reported using only sexuality nonspecific GSN apps (e.g., Tinder). Exclusive users of sexual minority-specific apps reported more frequent recreational drug use before sex (p = .01) and were also more likely to report past year condomless anal intercourse (p < .001), 3+ sexual partners in the previous year (p = .004), a previous STI diagnosis (p = .002), and HIV testing (p = .003). Alcohol use before sex, cannabis use before sex, PrEP use, and HIV rates were similar between both groups (ps > .11). CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that GSN apps may be a useful pathway for interventions aimed at reducing STI-risk among GBM. Future, prospective studies should examine how risk levels change after initiation of GSN app use.

scholarly journals Serodiscussion, Perceived Seroconcordance, and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Dyads of Men Who Have Sex with Men Who Use Geosocial-Networking Smartphone Applications in London

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
William C. Goedel ◽  
John A. Schneider ◽  
Daniel Hagen ◽  
Dustin T. Duncan
Keyword(s):  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Receptive Anal Intercourse ◽  
Geosocial Networking ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Essential Prerequisite

Serodiscussion—the mutual discussion of HIV statuses between sexual partners—can be viewed as an essential prerequisite for risk-reduction behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM). The current study aimed to assess the prevalence of serodiscussion with one’s most recent sexual partner and its association with sexual behaviors with these partners. Broadcast advertisements were placed on a geosocial-networking smartphone application, encouraging users to complete an online survey. A total of 200 MSM completed the survey. Serodiscussion occurred in 43.5% of dyads, and it was most common in dyads where both partners were reported to be HIV positive, χ2(5) = 60.3, P < .001. Serodiscussion was associated with engagement in both condomless insertive, χ2(1) = 3.847, P = .046, and receptive anal intercourse, χ2(1) = 6.5, P = .011. However, there were no significant differences in how recently a respondent was tested for HIV, representing potentially high-risk scenarios.

scholarly journals Use of poppers and HIV risk behaviours among men who have sex with men in Paris, France: an observational study

Sexual Health ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 370 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Rhodes Hambrick ◽  
Su Hyun Park ◽  
Joseph J. Palamar ◽  
Anthony Estreet ◽  
John A. Schneider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relative Risk ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Relative Risk Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Relative Risk ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Hiv Seroconversion ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Group Sex ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection

The use of inhaled nitrites, or poppers, among men who have sex with men (MSM) is prevalent, yet has been associated with HIV seroconversion. We surveyed 580 MSM from a geosocial networking smartphone application in Paris, France, in 2016. Of the respondents, 46.7% reported popper use within the previous 3 months. Regression models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics found that the use of poppers was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with the following during the prior 3 months: condomless anal intercourse (adjusted relative risk (aRR) 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.50), use of alcohol and/or drugs during sex once or twice (adjusted relative risk ratio (aRRR) 2.33, 95% CI 1.44–2.03), three to five times (aRRR 5.41, 95% CI 2.98–9.84) or six or more times (aRRR 4.09, 95% CI 2.22–7.56), participation in group sex (aRRR 3.70, 95% CI 2.33–5.90) and self-reported diagnosis with any sexually transmissible infection over the previous year (aRR 1.63, 95% CI 1.18–2.27), specifically chlamydia (aRR 2.75, 95% CI 1.29–4.29) and syphilis (aRR 2.27, 95% CI 1.29–4.29).

Correlates of condomless anal intercourse with different types of sexual partners among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Lima, Peru

AIDS Care ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Victoria F. Bachman ◽  
Michalina A. Montaño ◽  
Angela Ulrich ◽  
Manuel Villaran ◽  
Robinson Cabello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Sex With Men

Partner meeting venue typology and sexual risk behaviors among French men who have sex with men

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (13) ◽  
pp. 1282-1288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yazan A Al-Ajlouni ◽  
Su H Park ◽  
John A Schneider ◽  
William C Goedel ◽  
H Rhodes Hambrick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviors ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Adjusted Relative Risk ◽  
Condomless Anal Intercourse ◽  
Geosocial Networking ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Group Sex

Previous research has given considerable attention to venues where men who have sex with men (MSM) meet their sex partners. However, no previous study examined a vast range of sexual risk behaviors. The objective of this study was to examine the association between the types of venues for meeting sexual partners, condomless anal intercourse, engagement in group sex, and HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk among a sample of MSM. Users of a popular geosocial-networking app in Paris were provided an advertisement with text encouraging them to complete an anonymous web-based survey ( n = 580), which included questions about sex-seeking venues, condomless anal intercourse, HIV status and STI history, and sociodemographic characteristics. A log-binomial model was used to assess association between venues (i.e. public venues [gay clubs, bars, and discos], cruising venues [such as gay saunas, beaches, and parks], and internet-based venues [internet chat sites and geosocial-networking apps]), condomless anal intercourse, engagement in group sex, and HIV infection as well as infection with other STIs, after adjustment for sociodemographics. In multivariable models, attending cruising venues was associated with condomless receptive anal intercourse (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.20–1.81), any kind of condomless anal intercourse (aRR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.14–1.58), an STI (aRR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.09–2.05), engagement in group sex (aRR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.27–1.59), and multiple partners for both condomless insertive (aRR = 2.00; 95% CI = 1.38–2.88), and receptive (aRR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.23–2.36) anal intercourse, STI infection (aRR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.09–2.05) and HIV infection (aRR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.05–2.96). No associations were found with other venue types and sexual risk behaviors, STIs, and HIV infection, except for group sex, which was associated with all venue types. Use of cruising where the primary aim is to have sex was found to be associated with risky sexual behavior. Risky behavior reduction strategies such as preexposure prophylaxis campaigns should be targeted to MSM who frequent cruising venues.

Condom Use, Disclosure, and Risk for Unprotected Sex in HIV-Negative Midlife and Older Men Who Have Sex With Men

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 186-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin J. Jacobs ◽  
Michael N. Kane ◽  
Raymond L. Ownby
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
Receptive Anal Intercourse ◽  
Sexual Risk Taking ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Insertive Anal Intercourse ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Older Msm ◽  
Hiv Negative

Sexual risk behaviors account for most HIV infections in men who have sex with men (MSM), and the risk of exposure from each sexual encounter increases with age. The focus of this study was to investigate which behaviors in midlife and older MSM influence their sexual risk/protection. Cross-sectional data were collected from a community-based sample of 802 MSM aged 40 years and older from community venues (e.g., bars) who completed an anonymous questionnaire. Data from a subset of 420 MSM who were HIV-negative (aged 40-81 years) were used to investigate which behaviors were associated with greater risk for unprotected anal sex. Regression analyses indicated that erection difficulties (odds ratio [OR] = 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.8-12.2), practicing safe sex with outside partners but not with one’s primary partner (OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.3-0.94), and recreational drug use (OR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.3-5.1) were associated with higher risk for unprotected receptive anal intercourse. Younger age (OR = 0.96; 95% CI = 0.9- 0.9), not telling partners about HIV status (OR = 3.2; 95% CI = 1.5-6.5), finding partners in backrooms/sex clubs (OR = 2.8; 95% CI = 1.1- 6.8), and erection difficulties (OR = 10.3; 95% CI = 2.8-37.8) were associated with higher risk for unprotected insertive anal intercourse. These data indicate there may be certain factors specific to older MSM that influence their sexual risk taking behaviors. Programs may be more effective if they are tailored for older cohorts of MSM and address interpersonal communication, erection problems, and substance use to reduce health risks and promote healthier lifestyles.

scholarly journals Risky sexual practices among men who have sex with men in Northeast Brazil: results from four sequential surveys

2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 1390-1398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rogério Costa Gondim ◽  
Ligia Regina Franco Sansigolo Kerr ◽  
Guilherme L. Werneck ◽  
Raimunda Hermelinda Maia Macena ◽  
Marta Kerr Pontes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Sexual Practices ◽  
Anal Sex ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Time Space ◽  
Insertive Anal Intercourse ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Recent Trends ◽  
Risky Sexual Practices ◽  
Sex With Men

This paper focuses on recent trends in risky sexual practices for HIV/AIDS among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Fortaleza, Ceará State, Brazil. Four cross-sectional surveys were conducted (1995, 1998, 2002, and 2005) among MSM 14 years or older who reported oral or anal sex in the previous 12 months. Sexual practices were considered risky whenever the respondent reported unprotected receptive or insertive anal intercourse in the six months preceding the interview. Different selection techniques were used to recruit the study population: snowball (1995, 1998, 2002 - 32%); time-space sampling (2002 - 68%); and respondent-driven sampling (2005). Analyses were based on the comparison between proportions. High rates of risky sexual practices were reported in 1995 (49.9%), decreasing in 1998 (32.6%), increasing again in 2002 (51.3%), and showing the lowest level in 2005 (31.4%). Participants with more schooling increased their risky practices from 1998 to 2002, decreasing in 2005. Among individuals with medium or low schooling, risky behavior declined from 2002 to 2005. The article highlights the need for behavioral surveillance to properly address STD/HIV prevention.

Latent classes of partner-seeking venues and sexual risk among men who have sex with men in Paris, France

2020 ◽  
pp. 095646241989901
Author(s):  
Derek T Dangerfield ◽  
Chakema C Carmack ◽  
Tamika D Gilreath ◽  
Dustin T Duncan
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Receptive Anal Intercourse ◽  
Latent Classes ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Insertive Anal Intercourse ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Group Sex

In France, men who have sex with men (MSM) experience the highest HIV incidence. MSM who use multiple venues such as bars and smartphone apps to find sexual partners have greater HIV and sexually transmitted infection risk than those who use a single physical or online venue. To explore the role of venues and sexual behavior on HIV risk, we used latent class analysis to highlight underlying profiles of 580 MSM in Paris, France. Three latent classes emerged: Multi-venue Users (19%), Non-serosorting App Users (49%), and Serosorting App Users (32%). Multi-venue Users had the highest probabilities of condomless receptive anal intercourse (CRAI) and condomless insertive anal intercourse (CIAI), group sex, and meeting partners at venues such as bars or online. Non-serosorting App Users had the lowest probabilities of CRAI, CIAI, and condomless serosorting. Serosorting App Users had an 87% chance of condomless serosorting. MSM reporting a pre-exposure prophylaxis history had 14 and 5 times the odds of being classified as Multi-venue Users and Serosorting App Users than Non-serosorting App Users. MSM were 3% more likely to be Multi-venue Users than Non-serosorting App Users for every one-year increase in age. Interventions addressing sexual risk behaviors among MSM in France should consider tailored risk-reduction and prevention messaging.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document