The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #73743

Mary McFarlane, PhD and Rachel E. Kachur, MPH. Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-44, Atlanta, GA 30333, 4044983443, xzm3@cdc.gov

The Internet is a venue for seeking information, goods and services, and entertainment. It is also a venue for seeking risky sexual contact for a variety of populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM). Research has shown that as many as 15% of HIV testing clients seek sex partners on the Internet, and that people who seek sex partners online are at greater risk for STD/HIV infection than people who do not seek sex partners online. Specifically, people who seek sex partners online have more sex partners, more anal sex with partners, and are more likely to have sex with someone whom they know to be HIV-positive. In addition, MSM infected with syphilis have reported meeting multiple sex partners online, often anonymously. Reports indicate that the Internet provides a fast, efficient, discreet means of seeking anonymous, risky sexual encounters. The potential impact of this behavior on the epidemiology of sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV) is profound. Increases in the efficiency of partner selection point to increases in the rate of partner change, increases in concurrent partnerships, and increases in the number of partners over time. The potential for engaging in risky sex with multiple, anonymous partners presents challenges to traditional STD/HIV case management and partner-notification strategies. Finally, prevention efforts targeting bars, bathhouses, and other sex venues have not yet been evaluated for effectiveness on the Internet. This presentation will discuss the challenges to STD/HIV case management, partner notification, and prevention efforts presented by the Internet.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify STD/HIV risk factors associated with the Internet.
• Describe potential changes in STD/HIV epidemiology resulting from Internet-related sexual behavior change.

Keywords: Sexual Behavior, Internet

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.