Sources Of Sexual Health Information Research Articles

"I wouldn't have felt so alone": The sexual health education experiences of transgender and gender diverse youth living in the southeastern United States.

Transgender and gender diverse youth experience multiple disproportionate adverse sexual health outcomes. Sexual health education teaches knowledge, attitudes, and skills for promoting sexual health, including reducing risk for sexually transmitted infection, HIV acquisition, and unintended pregnancy. Provision of sexual health education may be protective, but research remains scarce. We conducted a multi-stage thematic analysis of 33 in-depth interviews among transgender and gender diverse youth (ages 15-24) living in the southeastern United States on their sexual health education experiences. Our study participants described school-based sexual health education as unhelpful due to a lack of relevant information, inadequately prepared teachers, and a perceived negative tone toward sexuality. They reported relying on online sources of sexual health information, finding relevant content and community despite some limitations. Participants desired content and pedagogy that expands beyond binary and white-centric presentations of sexuality and gender and sought resources that provide relevant, accurate, and judgment-free information while holding positive framing around sexuality and gender. There is much work needed to improve the breadth, quality, and relevance of school-based sexual health education. Sexual health education can improve by strengthening critical media literacy skills of youth; raising staff cultural competency on gender, race, and sexual identity through training and supports; using culturally relevant and inclusive curricula; and partnering with community-based organizations. Transgender and gender diverse youth would benefit from sexual health education from multiple sources which is queer-friendly, affirms their existence, and provides information on gender, race, and sexuality in positive and expansive ways.

Where do 15- to -17-year-olds in Canada get their sexual health information?

Sexual health education delivered in school, provided by parents, or provided by other formal sources has been associated most closely with increased rates of condom use and improvements in many other sexual risk behaviours. Friends and the internet are other information sources, although quality and accuracy are not always as high. Nationally representative Canadian data about where adolescents obtain their sexual health information are lacking. Weighted data from the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth were used to examine the sources typically used to obtain sexual health information by 15- to 17-year-olds, as well as the prevalence and characteristics of adolescents reporting not having an adult to talk with about sexual health and puberty. Most 15- to 17-year-olds in Canada reported having at least one source of sexual health information (96.6%). More than half identified school (55.6%) and parents or guardians (51.2%) as sources of sexual health information. The internet (45.9%), friends (36.2%), and health care professionals (20.9%) were other common sources. Whereas 61.2% of adolescents identified more than one source of sexual health information, 3.4% reported not having any source. Nearly 15% of adolescents reported not having an adult to talk with about sexual health or puberty. Differences in sources consulted and having an adult to talk with depended on many factors, including sexual attraction and/or gender diversity, sex, immigrant status, racialized status, lower-income status, strength of parent-adolescent relationship, region of residence, and mental health. An improved understanding of the sources of sexual health information used by adolescents and identification of characteristics associated with adolescents reporting not having an adult to talk with could help develop strategies to improve sexual health outcomes via better access to sexual health promotion and educational resources.

Father-son sex communication in Australian adolescent males

ABSTRACT Little is known about the effect of father-son communication on sexual health knowledge and potential sexual health outcomes in young men. We investigated the confidence and trust that adolescent Australian males have in their fathers and whether this contributes to the use of their father as a source of sexual health information. Data analysis explored differences in confidence, trust, and use of fathers as a source of sexual health information among male, female, and trans- and gender-diverse participants. Male participants were more confident seeking sexual health advice from their fathers, had higher trust that the information was accurate, and were more likely to use their fathers as a source of sexual health information than females and trans- and gender-diverse participants. There is evidence to indicate that father-son sex communication can play a role in increasing adolescent males’ knowledge of sexual health.

Differences in the sexual health information parents/guardians give their adolescent sexual minority sons by outness

Parents and guardians are a potentially valuable source of sexual health information for adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM). The current study examines what sexual health topics ASMM report discussing with a parent/guardian and whether topics differ by outness about sexual attraction to other males. ASMM (N = 154; ages 14–17) in the United States completed the baseline of an online sexual health intervention pilot in 2020. They reported which of twelve sexual health topics they discussed with a parent/guardian and if they had disclosed their sexual attraction to other males. Associations between topics discussed and outness to a parent/guardian were examined with Firth logistic regression. Eighty-eight (57%) participants reported being out to a parent/guardian. Six sexual health topics were significantly more likely to be discussed if participants were out. The three categories with the largest differences by outness were how to: discuss with a partner what they would not like to do sexually (aOR = 7.0, 95% CI: 2.0–24.6), use condoms (aOR = 5.9, 95% CI: 2.3–15.1), and prevent HIV/AIDS (aOR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.4–8.7). Interventions on parental/guardian provision of sexual health information are needed to ensure ASMM receive relevant sexual health knowledge.

Sexual Health Behaviors and Knowledge Among Ugandan Adolescent Girls: Implications for Advancing Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Technology.

Adolescent girls in Uganda have four-fold HIV infections than adolescent boys. Several barriers to accessing comprehensive sexual health education exist for adolescent girls in Uganda, including unequal, social, and economic statuses, limited access to education and health care services, discrimination, and violence. This study qualitatively examines sexual health behaviors and literacy among Ugandan adolescent girls and explores how technology may be leveraged to improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes in this population. Four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among 32 adolescent girls aged 14-17 years enrolled in Suubi mHealth. Participants were randomly selected from four secondary schools participating in a randomized clinical trial known as Suubi4Her (N = 1260). FGDs were conducted in the local language, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated. Translated transcripts were imported into Dedoose for data management and coding. Emerging themes included Influences for Sex/Relationships, HIV Knowledge, and Sources of Sexual Health Information. Participants reported common influences for sexual engagement included seeking resource security, limited parental communication, and peer influences. Participants also demonstrated knowledge gaps, requesting information such as how to prevent unplanned pregnancies and HIV, endorsing sexual health myths, and describing limitations to accessing sexual health information. Noticeable inconsistencies and limited access to information and resources regarding basic sexual health knowledge were reported, which inevitably increases adolescent girls' risks for adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Developing culturally appropriate interventions may help advance the sexual and reproductive health needs of Ugandan adolescent girls.

Sexual health knowledge, attitude and risk perception among in-school and out-of-school female adolescents in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria

Aim: Young people need protective information and skills in order to reduce the riskassociated with unsafe sex. This study assessed and compared the sexual health knowledge, attitude and risk perception of in-school and out-of-school female unmarried adolescents in Onitsha North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria.
 Methods: A comparative cross-sectional design was used in which 391 in-school female adolescents (mean age: 15.9±1.4 years ) were selected from 25 private and 17 public schools in Onitsha North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria using multistage sampling method. A comparison group of 392 out-of school female adolescents (mean age: 15.5±2.5 years) was also selected from a major market in the same Local Government Area using cluster sampling technique. Data was collected from the respondents with pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaires on reproductive and sexual health knowledge, risk perception and attitude, sexual behaviour, contraceptive knowledge and sources of sexual health information.
 Results: In-school girls demonstrated better knowledge of sexual and reproductive health compared to their out-of-school counterparts. The awareness of fertile period, contraception methods, STI and HIV transmission and prevention were all significantly better among the in-school adolescents compared to their out-of-school counterparts (P<0.05). They also had markedly higher risk perception of getting pregnant (P<0.05) or acquiring HIV infection (P<0.05) compared to their out-of-school counterparts.
 Conclusion: About 21% of adolescents in this study area were involved in risky sexualbehaviour and this was higher among the out-of-school adolescents than their in-school counterparts. All stakeholders in the state and the Local Government Area should come together and develop interventions that would improve the sexual health knowledge and sexual risk perception of the adolescents.

A qualitative study of international students’ sexual health information behaviours: The case of Chinese men who have sex with men

There has been an increase in HIV diagnoses among Chinese men who have sex with men international students (CMISs) in Australia. However, there is not a lot of understanding about the sexual health information of this cohort of transient students. There are often assumptions of low sexual health literacy and other vulnerabilities made about this cohort, but the actual cultural and systemic barriers are not well understood. In particular, there is a lack of understanding about their sexual health information behaviours. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews among ten CMISs in Australia, recruited from social dating apps and snowballing methods. Within this sample, there was a diversity in CMISs’ prior sexual health knowledge, sources of sexual health information and engagement with the Australian LGBTIQA+ community. A key concern amongst those interviewed was a lack of in-depth knowledge about the Australian health system. This article challenges some of the assumptions about CMISs’ sexual health information behaviours and calls for a more nuanced approach when engaging with them. In order to provide relevant and timely sexual health information to CMISs, these results point to four areas for attention and improvement. These are use of peer mentoring, messaging disseminated through Chinese social media, activating a more inclusive LGBTIQA+ community and increasing awareness about the Australian health system.

Changing the Script: Intergenerational Communication about Sexual and Reproductive Health in Niamey, Niger

ABSTRACT Most strategies to reduce adolescent pregnancies have been designed to educate adolescents directly about family planning (FP), while adolescents often cite peers and parents as their primary sources of sexual health information. Yet parents’ lack of knowledge about sexual and reproductive health (SRH), low self-efficacy to initiate conversations, and adverse social norms act as barriers to open intergenerational communication. To better understand the normative environment influencing communication between parents and youth about FP/SRH in francophone West Africa, the USAID supported Breakthrough RESEARCH project conducted a multi-stage qualitative study in Niger. During Stage 1, the research team developed a screening tool (based on a literature review) to categorize research participants into those who practiced open intergenerational communication about FP/SRH, and those who did not. Stage 2 consisted of 40 in-depth interviews with young people (ages 15–24) and adults (≥25 years old), stratified by whether they practiced open intergenerational communication. Results showed restrictive social norms related to youth SRH and access to information and services. However, particularly among participants classified as open-communicators, there is a hierarchy of norms and normative beliefs, with abstinence as the most virtuous decision for youth, but approving communication about and access to SRH services in order to minimize harm. Participants rely on values such as the protection of youth, protection of family honor and promotion of well-being as means to act in counter-normative ways and communicate about FP/SRH. Implications for the field include demystifying and destigmatizing SRH topics, increasing adults’ communication skills, and changing the “script” to a more life-affirming view of SRH.

A Qualitative Study on the Perspectives of Young Adults in Iqaluit on School-based Sexual Health Education

Introduction: Historical traumas led to the alteration of traditional education pathways, including education on sexual and reproductive health and healthy relationships. Parents no longer are the sole or majority source of information on these topics for youth; the education system and medical professionals have largely replaced parents to this regard. However, for many Inuit youth, parents largely remain the preferred source for this information.
 Methods: This narrative research study explores young people’s perspectives on the topic of sexual health education. Six sharing circles were conducted on six separate occasions in [community]. 12 youth aged 18 to 22 years participated, which included men (n=3), women (n=8), and non-binary persons (n=1). Four participants identified as LGBTQ+.
 Results: Sexual health education youth received was perceived to lack information they want and need to live sexually health lives. Peer networks were deemed a positive influence, however at times exerted pressure on youth to participate in sexual activities for which they were not ready. Parents were rarely a source of sexual health information, though youth overwhelmingly desired conversations on sexual health topics with their parents.
 Conclusion: Results show there is a need to implement community-based resources to address sexual education within Nunavut communities, and to educate parents on how to communicate sexual health information to their adolescent children. The development of a resource for adults could decrease the gap between youth and existing sexual health information including accessing support from family.

Sexual health behavior, health status, and knowledge among queer womxn and trans men in Kenya: An online cross-sectional study.

Little research has been conducted on the sexual health needs and risk behaviors of queer womxn and trans men, making it difficult to identify specific health needs and disparities. This is especially the case in the Global South, where their needs are poorly understood. This study presents findings on demographics, sources of information, sexual (risk) behaviors, and substance use in Kenyan queer womxn and trans men. An online survey among 335 Kenyan queer womxn and trans men was used to collect data on sexual health, risk behavior, health information sources, and substance use. The participants needed to have had at least one self-identified female sexual partner. The sample presented young, highly-educated queer womxn and trans men. A high incidence of childhood sexual trauma found was found. Risk behaviors included sexual activities with partners of multiple genders, violence, and low use of barrier methods. One in three participants had been treated for an STD in the previous year. The incidences of smoking and drinking were high, and a quarter of participants indicated having taken drugs at least once a month or more. The internet was either the first or second most important source of sexual health information for 44.1% of the participants, followed by schools (30.9%). Our findings indicate that queer womxn and trans men are at risk of negative sexual health outcomes due to a lack of appropriate information, risk behavior, substance use, and low uptake of sexual health services. Kenya's Penal Code still criminalizes consensual same-sex activities and may play a role in perpetuating barriers that prohibit them from making healthier choices. Developing tailored programming and policies require local, national, and global stakeholders to engage with the inclusion of queer womxn and trans men's sexual health needs within strategic planning and healthcare delivery.

An Examination of Condom Brand’s Social Media Influence on Sexual Health Messages

ABSTRACT Social media is a primary source of sexual health information for young adults. Increased exposure to sexual health education on social media is associated with safer sexual behavior. Given the diversity of social media accounts, condom brands may be a trusted source of sexual health information. We quantified user interactions on the social media posts of the three most frequently used social media sites of condom brands from January 2020 to June 2021. We analyzed the reach each account had in terms of sexual health information separated into three categories: sexual health education, sexual health resources and social issues relating to sexual health. On Instagram, 48% of posts provide sexual health education, 5% mention resources, and 23% mention social issues. On YouTube 68% of posts provide sexual health education, 35% mention resources, and 31% mention social issues. Providing sexual health education had a positive association with likes on Instagram (n = 923, t = 4.09, p < .001). In terms of sexual health education topics, posts pertaining to reproductive health and sexual self-acceptance were a positive predictor of likes on Instagram (n = 56, t = 7.00, p < .001, n = 77, t = 2.37, p = .015 respectively). Posts pertaining to sex were a positive predictor of likes both on Instagram (n = 74, t = 2.79, p = .005) and YouTube (n = 57, t = 2.21, p = .029). These findings suggest that the sexual health education and resources provided by condom brands have significant reach and positive reception. To promote sexual health to a larger and more receptive audience, future research and education campaigns should recognize and utilize the social media influence of condom brands.

The current system of sexuality education in Polish secondary schools: University students’ perspectives

In secondary schools in Poland, sexuality education was formally introduced in 1993 in the form of Education for Family Life (EFL) classes. The EFL curriculum is largely based on Catholic doctrine. The current study examined the opinions and attitudes of students attending a university in Poland regarding sexuality education in public secondary schools. A sample of 498 first- and second-year university students completed a questionnaire that collected information on demographic characteristics, the student’s sources of information about sexual health, and their opinions and attitudes related to sexuality education. Over 80% of the students used the Internet as a source of sexual health information while far fewer students cited teachers/classroom activities (24.3%). Over three-quarter of females (79.5%) and males (75.9%) agreed that it is important to have sexual health education as part of the secondary school curriculum. Students’ responses to the question on the importance of sexual health education in schools did not differ significantly based on their level of religious commitment. However, few women (12.9%) and men (9.2%) rated the current effectiveness of sexuality education in schools as “high.” For topics that should be covered in the curriculum, the students rated birth control methods, abortion, sexual orientation/lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues, and sexually transmitted diseases the highest. The findings indicate that Polish university students view school-based sexual health education as important but currently ineffective. Policies to reform public school-based sexual health in Poland are needed to ensure that Polish youth have the information and skills to protect and enhance their sexual health.

An Examination of Sexual Health Information Sources, Knowledge and Behaviours Among Australian Teens: a Latent Class Analysis

An Examination of Sexual Health Information Sources, Knowledge and Behaviours Among Australian Teens: a Latent Class Analysis

Opportunities for strengthening sexual health education in schools: Findings from a student needs assessment in NSW.

Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) is important for the sexual and reproductive health of young people. To better understand young people's views and experiences of sexual health education in NSW, a student needs assessment survey was conducted in 2017. This paper presents the findings from 1603 NSW students in Years 8-12 following online recruitment. Descriptive analyses explored students' views and experiences in relation to sources of sexual health information, education providers, school-based topics covered and resources drawn on. Findings indicate that school, parents, friends and social media are students' most common sources of information on sexual and reproductive health. Approximately one-third of students reported wanting more information on topics related to relationships, reproductive health, consent and sexual decision-making and sexual harassment, abuse and bullying, and two-thirds of transgender and gender diverse students wanted more information on gender identity. For the topics which students reported receiving the least information about at school, they were most likely to seek this out on social media and websites. Findings provide valuable insight for improving CSE in NSW. The influence of social media, parents and the internet should be taken into consideration when developing resources and programme content. Professional development for educators could contribute to improving the quality of CSE delivered. Accurate and up to date resources must be utilised to support student engagement and effective learning.

18. SOSHI-APE: Sources of Sexual Health Information for Adolescents and Preferences for Education

<h3>Background</h3> Adolescents may receive information about sexual health topics from a variety of different sources, such as school, family, healthcare professionals, peers, and media sources such as television, books, and the internet. Despite this variety, there is little information on where adolescents actually do receive information on these topics. The objective of this study was to identify the sources from which adolescents receive information about sexual health topics, how useful they find this information, and their preferred sources for education. <h3>Methods</h3> We conducted a survey of adolescents aged 14-21 about the sources from which they received sexual health information. Adolescents were recruited through online and in-person advertising at an adolescent-specific obstetrics and gynecology clinic. Descriptive statistics were calculated using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) v25.0. This study was approved by the Western Institutional Review Board #2017-030. <h3>Results</h3> The survey was completed by 196 adolescents. The average age of respondents was 16.0 years, 82.1% identified as female, and respondents were racially diverse (Table 1). School was the most common source of information on almost all sexual health topics: STIs (67.9%), condoms (50.5%), sex (40.8%), consent (40.3%), abortion (34.7%), pregnancy (33.7%), and birth control (32.7%), with the exception of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) issues, which respondents most commonly learned about from friends (24.5%). Parents and friends were also reported as highly common sources of sexual health information (Figure 1). Information about sex was much less commonly obtained from media sources, although the internet was one of the main sources of information about LGBTQ issues (10.2%) and abortion (9.7%). Across all topics, respondents rated the information that they received to be somewhat or very useful (75-85.7%). The main sources from which respondents would have preferred to receive information were school, healthcare professionals, or parents, with the exception of LGBTQ issues, which they would have preferred to learn about from school, parents, or friends. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The results of this descriptive study suggest that adolescents receive most of their information about sexual health from school, parents, or friends, with the exception of LGBTQ issues and abortion. The accuracy of information from family, friends, and the internet may vary and adolescents should be made aware of this. Although healthcare professionals were an uncommon source of sexual health information, respondents identified them as one of their main preferred sources. These findings indicate a need for more education on sexual health topics during healthcare encounters.

“I just trust what Google says, it’s the Bible”: Exploring young, Black gay and other men who have sex with men’s evaluation of sexual health information sources in Toronto, Canada

While sexual health literature identifies youths’ sexual health information sources and its impact on their sexual practices, little is known about the way youth evaluate the credibility of this information. This knowledge gap is significant among young, Black gay and other men who have sex with men (YBGM) who belong to intersectional populations disproportionately impacted by HIV and other STIs. We conducted a qualitative study using constructivist grounded theory to explore YBGM’s approaches to evaluating sexual health information sources’ credibility. Intersectionality and the socioecological model informed our analysis. We explored connections between social locations (e.g., race, sexual orientation) and socio-ecological environments and how their impact shaped YBGM’s evaluation of sexual health information. Findings revealed evaluation strategies varied by source: friends, the internet and healthcare providers. Friends’ information was deemed credible if they were older, shared social locations and provided embodied testimonials. Testimonials mirrored oral-traditions specific to Black populations where oral narratives help disseminate sensitive information in a culturally relevant way. Website selection was informed by YBGM’s social locations and ranged from being implicitly trusted to assessed by its association with established healthcare organizations. Many participants’ acceptance of healthcare providers’ information revealed patient-client power imbalances and a perception that providers’ actions reflected their institutions’ sexual health policies. Findings highlight a need for sexual health services to create culturally effective ways to disseminate information that accounts for the histories, contexts, and approaches YBGM use to identify credible sources of sexual health information.

Sexual Health Information Sources, Needs, and Preferences of Young Adult Sexual Minority Cisgender Women and Non-Binary Individuals Assigned Female at Birth.

Young adult sexual minority women (SMW) have unique sexual health needs and higher rates of some poor sexual health outcomes compared to their heterosexual peers. Unequal access to relevant sexual health information may contribute to sexual orientation disparities in sexual health among women, but research on sexual health communication among SMW is sparse. In-depth interviews conducted in 2016-2017 investigated sexual health communication in a sample of 29 racially/ethnically diverse cisgender women and non-binary individuals assigned female at birth who were between 19 and 36 years of age and identified as a sexual minority. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach that involved inductive and deductive coding to identify themes. Three broad themes were identified: 1) sources of sexual health information; 2) sexual health information needs; and 3) preferences for sexual health information delivery. Participants discussed and critiqued the Internet, other mass media, health care providers, school-based sex education, family, and peers/partners as sources of sexual health information. Participants expressed a need for customized, non-heteronormative information pertaining to sexually transmitted infection risk and prevention. They preferred receiving information from health care providers, the Internet, and other mass media, and some also suggested school-based sex education and peer education as methods for delivering information. Participants expressed clear desires for relevant, high-quality sexual health information delivered through a variety of channels, especially the Internet, other mass media, and health care providers. Findings call for policies that improve provision of sexual health information through health care providers, online resources, and school-based sex education.

Parent-Adolescent Sexual Communication in India: Responses of Middle Class Parents

Parents are an important source of sexual health information for adolescents, and quality parent–adolescent sexual communication has been linked to positive sexual health outcomes. We sought to enhance the limited information about parent–adolescent sexual communication in India. The participants were 78 mothers and 91 fathers of adolescents ages 12–19 years. Both mothers and fathers reported limited past sexual communication, on average having talked to their child in general terms only and only a few times, although communication was somewhat better when the sex of the parent and adolescent were congruent. Only half of the parents had strong intentions to engage in these conversations during the following year. Parents’ reports and multiple regression analyses identified parents’ attitudes, knowledge, comfort, and history of sexual communication with their own parents as key factors in limiting parent–adolescent sexual communication engagement and intentions. A number of strategies to enhance parent-adolescent sexual communication are discussed.

Experiences of teaching sexual and reproductive health to students with intellectual disabilities

ABSTRACT There is growing awareness and international commitment to improving sexual and reproductive health for persons with intellectual disabilities. Despite this, people with intellectual disabilities continue to face stigma and have limited access to sexual health education and information. This qualitative phenomenological study uses data from 10 interviews to describe what it means to teach sexual and reproductive health and rights to students with intellectual disabilities at special-needs schools in southern Sweden. The meaning of teachers’ experience is described through their efforts to ‘accept the challenge to coach special-needs students into adulthood’. Findings show that sexual and reproductive health in special-needs schools covers a broad range of topics and that the teacher must adapt to students’ shifting needs. They also reveal that teachers are motivated and have access to the necessary resources to teach sexual and reproductive health but feel they lack the skills to address students’ particular sexual health issues, including questions of culture and religion. Schools are the main source of sexual health information in Sweden and therefore play a crucial role in providing equal education and promoting public health.

Acceptability and potential impact of delivering sexual health promotion information through social media and dating apps to MSM in England: a qualitative study

BackgroundIncreasing rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) in England is a pressing public health concern. Interventions targeting MSM, including information provision that effectively promotes sexual health, are needed. To support such intervention development, it is necessary to understand acceptable ways of delivering sexual health information. We explored the acceptability and potential uses and impacts of delivering sexual health information to MSM through social media and geosocial networking apps or dating apps.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted in person or by telephone with 25 MSM resident in England recruited via dating apps and social media advertisements. Interviews explored sexual health information sources, perceptions and uses. Attitudes towards sexual health promotion through social media and dating apps were then discussed. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsSexual health information delivery through social media and dating apps was considered acceptable. Receiving information when browsing social media was viewed positively by most, as people have time to absorb information. In contrast, concerns were expressed that sharing or commenting on social media sexual health information may lead to judgements and discrimination. While social media reaches a high proportion of the population, dating apps can easily target MSM. However, tensions exist between the ability to provide information at an opportune time through dating apps, when users are connecting with new sexual partners, with the potential to adversely affect the app user’s experience. Hypothetical and actual uses and impacts of sexual health information ranged from no impact to reading information, sharing with peers, and increased awareness, to influencing healthcare-seeking, decision-making and risk-taking behaviours. Ensuring that information is engaging, positive in tone, not too clinical, focused on building social norms and delivered by trusted organisations were viewed as important for supporting its use.ConclusionsOverall, these findings support the development of new interventions that use dating apps and social media for sexual health promotion.