Sexual Behaviors and HIV/STI Prevention Strategies Among Sexual Minority Men in Ecuador Who Use Geosocial Networking Apps

Carlos Hermosa-Bosano,Rodrigo Aguayo-Romero,Paula Hidalgo-Andrade,Clara Paz

doi:10.1007/s10508-021-02093-7

Carlos Hermosa-Bosano, Rodrigo Aguayo-Romero + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-021-02093-7

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Abstract

Around the world, geosocial networking apps have become widely popular among sexual minority men (SMM). This research analyzed the sexual behaviors and HIV and STI prevention strategies (HIV/STI testing, HIV/STI inquiry, and HIV/STI disclosure) of an online-recruited sample of 284 SMM living in Ecuador. Sexting and oral sex were the most common sexual behaviors among SMM in the sample. Most participants had low perceptions of HIV and STI risk; 85% reported being tested for HIV and 70% for STIs. Being older predicted higher odds of being tested for either HIV or STIs at least once. Being single also predicted HIV testing. Future interventions in the country should explore apps’ utility as intervention tools to spread information about sexual health and HIV prevention strategies, such as condom use and event-driven PrEP. Apps can also facilitate connections to sexual health services, including programs for PrEP initiation and linkage to HIV treatment. They should also focus on promoting sexual harm reduction conversations among potential app-met sexual partners.

Highlights

According to UNAIDS (2019b), in 2018, an estimated amount of 100,000 people in Latin American countries received a new HIV diagnosis
Sexual minority men (SMM), transgender women, people who engage in sex work, and people who use drugs accounted for approximately 65% of the new infections in the region (UNAIDS, 2019b)
We believe it would be useful for researchers to analyze app use among other vulnerable groups such as transgender and non-binary populations. This is the first study in Ecuador to analyze sexual behaviors as well as HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) prevention strategies in a sample of SMM who use their mobile devices as means to meet sexual partners

Summary

Introduction

According to UNAIDS (2019b), in 2018, an estimated amount of 100,000 people in Latin American countries received a new HIV diagnosis. Sexual minority men (SMM), transgender women, people who engage in sex work, and people who use drugs accounted for approximately 65% of the new infections in the region (UNAIDS, 2019b). SMM are at high risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as herpes, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea (Unemo et al, 2017; Yuan et al, 2019), thereby increasing the odds of subsequent HIV infections (Harney et al, 2019). Studies of SMM populations have found that engaging in condomless receptive anal intercourse, not being in a stable relationship, having multiple male sexual partners, being involved in sex work, being raped, and using alcohol significantly increase the likelihood of having an HIV diagnosis (Hernandez et al, 2017; Jacobson et al, 2014). Minority stress-related variables, including stigma, discrimination, and internalized homophobia, are associated with increased HIV and STI risk among SMM (Andrinopoulos et al, 2015; Hatzenbuehler et al, 2008)

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