Abstract
The abundance of social networking platforms has increased the frequency and the availability for which individuals communicate with one another. The feasibility and accessibility to go online to find sexual partners pose opportunity for contracting sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the absence of safe sexual practices. Low condom use has been reported among young adults who seek sexual partners online. African American young adults have some of the highest rates of infection for certain STIs. In order to mitigate the incidence and prevalence of STIs in at-risk populations, sexually active young adults must use condoms consistently and correctly during sexual activities. The present study sought to uncover the heterogeneity within African American young adults regarding their online networking utilization, STI knowledge, and sexual risk behavior. African American young adults (N = 236), ages 18 - 23, completed private online survey administration. Using latent class analysis, three classes were identified: Social Network Communicators (43%; N = 101), Social Networking Daters (36%; N = 83), and Media Sharers (21%; N = 52). Social Networking Daters exhibited the highest probability of using online dating sites daily, low STI knowledge, and a zero probability of consistent condom use. All three groups exhibited relatively low STI knowledge. Furthermore, having a history of STI increased the likelihood of being classified into the Social Networking Daters class relative to the other classes. Findings highlight the need to capitalize upon online platforms for African American young adults who utilize online dating sites and other online environments.
Highlights
Young people ages 15 - 24 account for half of all newly diagnosed sexually transmitted infections (STIs) [1]
The present study reports conditional probabilistic classes of online networking users characterized by STI knowledge and self-reported condom use frequency
The present study explored the various uses of online networking for African American young adults attending a predominantly minority university
Summary
Young people ages 15 - 24 account for half of all newly diagnosed sexually transmitted infections (STIs) [1]. The rate of chlamydia among African American adolescents and young adults was found to be 3.6 to 8.9 times the rate of their Caucasian counterparts [1]. Disparities in rates of gonorrhea are similar, with gonorrhea rates among African American adolescents and young adults reported to be 7.4 to 9.3 times the rate of their counterparts [1]. Among individuals who are sexually active, proper and consistent condom use remains one of the most efficacious ways to prevent the spread of STIs. Young adults are at a developmental time when dating, courtship, and arrangements for “hooking up” may be commonplace. Young adults are at a developmental time when dating, courtship, and arrangements for “hooking up” may be commonplace This lends itself to opportunities for sexual encounters and probabilities associated with STI risk behavior
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