266824 Acceptability of online and smartphone HIV prevention interventions for young men who have sex with men

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Ian W. Holloway, MSW, MPH , School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Eric Rice, PhD , School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Hailey Winetrobe, MPH , School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Shannon Dunlap, MSW , School of Social Work, University of Souther California, Los Angeles, CA
Anamika Barman-Adhikari, MA, MSW, PhD Student , School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Harmony Rhoades, PhD , School of Social Work, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Adam Carranza, BA , School of Social Work, University of Souther California, Los Angeles, CA
David Dent, BA , School of Social Work, University of Souther California, Los Angeles, CA
Background: Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) remain at high risk for HIV infection. Grindr is a popular smartphone application among YMSM, allowing users to chat, exchange photos, and meet other YMSM for sexual encounters, using geo-locating technology. The present research describes the HIV knowledge seeking and testing behavior among YMSM Grindr users. This information can be used to formulate culturally-tailored mobile phone HIV prevention programs for this population.

Methods: Utilizing the geo-locating feature of Grindr, participants (N=197) were randomly selected to complete an anonymous online survey, inquiring about HIV information seeking and testing behavior, previous HIV prevention program participation, and acceptability of various prevention delivery mediums. Bivariate analyses (e.g., Chi-square tests) were used to determine associations between HIV testing behavior and other variables.

Results: One-third of participants (35.8%) previously attended an HIV prevention intervention. Over half (57.4%) were willing to take an in-person class about HIV prevention; however, a greater percentage were willing to participate in HIV prevention programs online (70.9%) or using a smartphone application (70.4%). Nearly 90% of the sample reported using the internet to find information about HIV. A greater percentage of those who sought HIV testing locations online had been tested for HIV (p<0.01).

Conclusions: The present study has significant implications for the field of HIV prevention by demonstrating the acceptability of online- and mobile phone-based HIV prevention programs targeting YMSM. An HIV testing locator smartphone application with geo-locating technology may facilitate HIV testing within this population.

Learning Areas:
Diversity and culture
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health biology
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the HIV testing and prevention program participation of YMSM Grindr users. 2. Compare the willingness of YMSM Grindr users to participate in HIV prevention interventions in-person, online and using smartphone applications. 3. Discuss how these findings might contribute to outreach efforts and the development of technology-based interventions for this community.

Keywords: Gay Men, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the principal investigator on a federally funded grant to study substance use and HIV among young men who have sex with men. In the current study I was responsible for assisting with study design, measure selection, data collection and analysis. In addition, I have taken a lead on all aspects of the present paper with the support of my co-authors.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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