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Yin Z, Du Y, Cheng W, Tang W. Digital Strategies Supporting Social Network Approaches to HIV Testing: A Scoping Review. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2024; 21:168-195. [PMID: 38733522 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-024-00699-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review captured how digital strategies support social network approaches to promote HIV testing. RECENT FINDING Overall, 29 studies were identified by searching PubMed and Embase for studies published up to June 2023. Existing studies revealed three types of digital strategies (social media (n = 28), online information channels (n = 4), and multifunctional digital platforms (n = 4)) split into four major modes of digital strategy-supported social-network-based HIV testing promotion: 1) Online outreach and recruiting, 2) gathering and identifying key populations for HIV testing, 3) communicating and disseminating online HIV testing health interventions, and 4) assisting and facilitating HIV testing uptake and distribution. Social network approaches supported by digital strategies yielded advantages in HIV testing education and distribution, which increases HIV testing coverage among key populations. Studies are needed on how to facilitate the use of digital strategies for social network-based HIV testing, as well as how to integrate them with existing HIV testing approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoheng Yin
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- University of North Carolina Project China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yumeng Du
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weibin Cheng
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- Faculty of Health Sciences, City University of Macau, Macao, SAR, China
| | - Weiming Tang
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China.
- University of North Carolina Project China, Guangzhou, China.
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Lardier DT, Opara I, Reid RJ, Garcia-Reid P, Herrera A, Cantu I. Increasing HIV/AIDS knowledge among urban ethnic minority youth: Findings from a community-based prevention intervention program. JOURNAL OF HIV/AIDS & SOCIAL SERVICES 2021; 20:76-96. [PMID: 34177389 PMCID: PMC8225251 DOI: 10.1080/15381501.2021.1910097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)/AIDs (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) prevention and research are imperative. Prevention-intervention programming is minimal in low-income communities of color. Additional research is needed that uncovers points of support and prevention to increase HIV knowledge and awareness and limit new HIV infections among adolescents of color. This study presents preliminary findings from a community-based HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, and viral hepatitis (VH) prevention education intervention for ethnic minority youth in a northeastern urban community. We evaluated HIV/AIDS knowledge and factors associated with knowledge. Participants (N = 599) completed a baseline survey followed by an exit survey measuring HIV/AIDS knowledge. Exit survey findings indicated that there was an increase in HIV/AIDs knowledge. Multivariate regression analyses showed that change scores in VH knowledge accuracy, sexual negotiation skills, risk perception, and ethnic identity were positively associated with change in HIV/AIDs knowledge score. The development and implementation of HIV/AIDS knowledge interventions can be crucial in alleviating new infections in the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T. Lardier
- Department of Individual, Family, and Community Studies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Ijeoma Opara
- Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Robert J. Reid
- Department of Family Science and Human Development, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, USA
| | - Pauline Garcia-Reid
- Department of Family Science and Human Development, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, USA
| | - Andriana Herrera
- Department of Public Health, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, USA
| | - Irene Cantu
- Department of Individual, Family, and Community Studies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Peer Group Focused eHealth Strategies to Promote HIV Prevention, Testing, and Care Engagement. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 17:557-576. [PMID: 32794071 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-020-00527-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Electronic communication platforms are increasingly used to support all steps of the HIV care cascade (an approach defined as eHealth). Most studies have employed individual-level approaches in which participants are connected with information, reminders, or a healthcare worker. Recent growth in use of social media platforms, which create digital communities, has created an opportunity to leverage virtual peer-to-peer connection to improve HIV prevention and care. In this article, we describe the current landscape of peer group eHealth interventions in the HIV field, based on a review of published literature, an online survey of unpublished ongoing work, and discussions with practitioners in the field in an in-person workshop. RECENT FINDINGS We identified 45 published articles and 12 ongoing projects meeting our inclusion criteria. Most reports were formative or observational; only three randomized evaluations of two interventions were reported. Studies indicated that use of peer group eHealth interventions is acceptable and has unique potential to influence health behaviors, but participants reported privacy concerns. Evaluations of health outcomes of peer group eHealth interventions show promising data, but more rigorous evaluations are needed. Development of group eHealth interventions presents unique technological, practical, and ethical challenges. Intervention design must consider privacy and data sovereignty concerns, and respond to rapid changes in platform use. Innovative development of open-source tools with high privacy standards is needed.
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Prata N, Weidert K, Soro DR. A mixed-methods study to explore opportunities and challenges with using a mHealth approach to engage men who have sex with men in HIV prevention, treatment and care in Lomé, Togo. Mhealth 2021; 7:47. [PMID: 34345624 PMCID: PMC8326944 DOI: 10.21037/mhealth-20-125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Togo, men who have sex with men (MSM) experience disproportionately high rates of human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV), with prevalence at 13% compared to the countrywide general HIV prevalence of 2.5%. Mobile phone adoption has grown rapidly in West Africa in recent years and mobile health (mHealth) provides an opportunity to engage high-risk populations in HIV prevention, treatment and care (PTC). This study focuses on the text messaging component of a mHealth program and resulting linkages to PTC in Lomé, Togo. METHODS We used a mixed-methods approach to collect information directly from a purposive sample of MSM to estimate the potential impact of the mHealth intervention on specific outcomes. A structured survey captured 503 MSM experiences with program activities to increase access to PTC through short message system (SMS), including data on socio-demographics, HIV knowledge and testing history, program awareness, use of services and referrals, use of mHealth, and experiences with and preferences for receiving HIV SMS messages. Twelve in-depth interviews captured qualitative data on MSM experiences and opinions related to the mHealth intervention, as well as barriers and facilitators to linkages between mHealth and clinic services. RESULTS Predicted probabilities of MSM being reached by the program and linked to PTC is higher for those exposed to the program and significantly different (P<0.001). The probability of being linked to HIV prevention emerges as the highest among MSM exposed to SMS messages with 92% probability. MSM exposed to SMS had a 63% probability to be linked to treatment compared to only 40% among those not exposed to SMS. Program barriers and facilitators were identified through the thematic analysis of the qualitative data. Several facilitators to PTC were reported including: increased knowledge and awareness; convenient location of HIV testing coupled with distribution of products; ensuring individual confidentiality; and perceived care of providers. The main barriers to the program were lack of program awareness, program functionality and affordability for referral services, and peer educator training. CONCLUSIONS The probability of being reached, and adhering to PTC is significantly higher among MSM exposed to HIV related SMS messages; however, the usefulness of SMS in HIV programs targeting MSM needs to be better understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ndola Prata
- School of Public Health at University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Karen Weidert
- School of Public Health at University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Doumenan Raphaël Soro
- Association de Soutien à l’Autopromotion Sanitaire Urbaine (ASAPSU), Cellule de recherche opérationnelle, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
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Klassen BJ, Lachowsky NJ, Lin SY, Edward JB, Chown SA, Hogg RS, Moore DM, Roth EA. Gay Men's Understanding and Education of New HIV Prevention Technologies in Vancouver, Canada. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2017; 27:1775-1791. [PMID: 28936925 PMCID: PMC5664952 DOI: 10.1177/1049732317716419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Effective rollout of HIV treatment-based prevention such as pre-exposure prophylaxis and treatment as prevention has been hampered by poor education, limited acceptability, and stigma among gay men. We undertook a thematic analysis regarding the education sources and acceptability of these New Prevention Technologies (NPTs) using 15 semistructured interviews with gay men in Vancouver, Canada, who were early adopters of NPTs. NPT education was derived from a variety of sources, including the Internet, health care providers, community organizations, sexual partners, and peers; participants also emphasized their own capacities as learners and educators. Acceptable forms of NPT education featured high-quality factual information, personal testimony, and easy access. Stigma was highlighted as a major barrier. For public health, policy makers, and gay communities to optimize the personal and population benefits of NPTs, there is a need for increased community support and dialogue, antistigma efforts, early NPT adopter testimony, and personalized implementation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Klassen
- 1 British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- 1 British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- 2 University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sally Yue Lin
- 1 British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Joshua B Edward
- 3 Health Initiative for Men, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sarah A Chown
- 4 YouthCO HIV & Hep C Society, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Robert S Hogg
- 1 British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- 5 Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David M Moore
- 1 British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- 6 University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eric A Roth
- 2 University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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Novillo-Ortiz D, Hernández-Pérez T. Social media in public health: an analysis of national health authorities and leading causes of death in Spanish-speaking Latin American and Caribbean countries. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2017; 17:16. [PMID: 28158986 PMCID: PMC5291998 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-017-0411-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Information and communications technologies, like social media, have the potential to reduce some barriers in disease prevention and control in the Americas. National health authorities can use these technologies to provide access to reliable and quality health information. A study was conducted to analyze availability of information about the leading causes of death on social media channels of national health authorities in 18 Spanish-speaking Latin American and Caribbean countries. Methods We gathered data of national health authorities’s institutional presence in social media. Exploratory-descriptive research was useful for analysis and interpretation of the data collected. An analysis was carried out for 6 months, from April 1 to September 30, 2015. Results Sixteen of the 18 countries studied have institutional presences on social media. National health authorities have a presence in an average of almost three platforms (2.8%). An average of 1% of the populations with Internet access across the 18 countries in this study follows national health authorities on social media (approximately, an average of 0.3% of the total population of the countries under study). On average, information on 3.2 of the 10 leading causes of death was posted on the national health authorities’ Facebook pages, and information on 2.9 of the 10 leading causes of death was posted on their Twitter profiles. Additionally, regarding public health expenditures and the possibility of retrieving information on the leading causes of death, an apparent negative correlation exists in the case of Facebook, r(13) = −.54, P = .03 and a weak negative correlation in the case of Twitter, r(14) = −.26, P = .31, for the countries with presences in those networks. Conclusions National health authorities can improve their role in participating in conversations on social media regarding the leading causes of death affecting their countries. Taking into account Internet accessibility levels in the countries under study and the high rates of people using social networks in even the poorest countries, further research is needed to provide evidence that more dedication to health promotion interventions through social media could significantly improve the impact and reach of public health messages and initiatives. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12911-017-0411-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Novillo-Ortiz
- Office of Knowledge Management, Bioethics and Research, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), 525 23rd ST NW, Washington, DC, 20037, USA.
| | - Tony Hernández-Pérez
- Department of Library Science and Documentation, University Carlos III de Madrid, Getafe, Spain
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Closson K, Lachowsky NJ, Cui Z, Shurgold S, Sereda P, Rich A, Moore DM, Roth EA, Hogg RS. Does age matter? Sexual event-level analysis of age-disparate sexual partners among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM) in Vancouver, Canada. Sex Transm Infect 2016; 93:332-341. [PMID: 27852641 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2016-052721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine factors associated with age-disparate sexual partners among Vancouver gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM). METHODS Sexually active GBM aged ≥16 years were recruited from February 2012 to February 2014. Participants self-completed a questionnaire on demographics, attitudes and sexual behaviour and substance use at last sexual event with five most recent partners. Two generalised linear mixed models identified factors associated with: (1) 'same-age' (referent), 'younger' or 'much-younger' and (2) 'same-age' (referent), 'older' or 'much-older' partners. Statistical interactions between age and HIV status were tested. RESULTS Participants (n=719) were predominantly gay (85.1%), White (75.0%), HIV-negative/unknown status (72.9%) with median age of 33 years (Q1,Q3: 26,47). A minority of sexual events were reported with much-older/much-younger partners (13.7%). In the multivariable models, GBM reporting older partners were more likely to be Asian or Latino, have greater Escape Motivation scores, report their partner used erectile dysfunction drugs (EDDs) and have received something for sex; compared with condom-protected insertive anal sex, participants with older partners were more likely to report condomless insertive anal sex with a serodiscordant or unknown status partner or no insertive anal sex. GBM reporting older partners were less likely to be bisexual-identified, have given something for sex and report event-level alcohol and EDD use. GBM reporting younger partners were more likely to have annual incomes >$30 000 and have met their partner online. As per significant statistical interactions, age-disparate relations were more common for younger HIV-positive and older HIV-negative GBM. CONCLUSIONS Differences among age-disparate partners highlight important targets for health promotion and future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Closson
- Epidemiology and Population Health, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada.,Faculty of Health Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - N J Lachowsky
- Epidemiology and Population Health, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada.,School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.,Centre for Addictions Research British Columbia, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Z Cui
- Epidemiology and Population Health, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - S Shurgold
- Epidemiology and Population Health, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - P Sereda
- Epidemiology and Population Health, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - A Rich
- Epidemiology and Population Health, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada
| | - D M Moore
- Epidemiology and Population Health, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - E A Roth
- Centre for Addictions Research British Columbia, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Anthropology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - R S Hogg
- Epidemiology and Population Health, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, Canada.,Faculty of Health Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
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A Review of HIV Prevention Studies that Use Social Networking Sites: Implications for Recruitment, Health Promotion Campaigns, and Efficacy Trials. AIDS Behav 2016; 20:2772-2781. [PMID: 26902295 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1342-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This review describes the use of social networking sites (SNS) in the context of primary prevention of HIV. A review was conducted to assess the published literature for HIV interventions using SNS. Sixteen articles describing twelve interventions were included. SNS were instrumental in recruiting hard-to-reach populations within a short amount of time; were able to reach wide audiences beyond the targeted population for HIV prevention campaigns; and helped to significantly reduce sexual risk behaviors and increase HIV testing. SNS are a viable option to recruit hidden populations, engage the target audience, and disseminate HIV prevention messages. Researchers should use SNS to generate sampling frames that can be used to select participants. Practitioners should use SNS to post images of preventive behavior within health promotion campaigns. Researchers should use multiple SNS platforms to engage participants. As more studies are published using SNS for HIV prevention, meta-analyses will be needed.
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Billings JD, Joseph Davey DL, Konda KA, Bristow CC, Chow J, Klausner JD, Cáceres CF. Factors associated with previously undiagnosed human immunodeficiency virus infection in a population of men who have sex with men and male-to-female transgender women in Lima, Peru. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e5147. [PMID: 27759645 PMCID: PMC5079329 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000005147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with undiagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) and male-to-female transgender women in Lima, Peru.We analyzed characteristics of 378 MSM and transgender women recruited from 2 sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics in Lima, Peru. Descriptive analyses compared: (A) HIV-uninfected, (B) previously undiagnosed HIV-infected, and (C) previously diagnosed HIV-infected participants. Multivariable logistic regression models identified: (1) correlates of previously undiagnosed HIV-infection among participants thought to be HIV-uninfected (B vs A); and (2) correlates of previously undiagnosed HIV-infection among HIV-infected participants (B vs C). Subanalysis identified correlates of frequent HIV testing among participants thought to be HIV-uninfected.Among participants, 31.0% were HIV-infected; of those, 35.0% were previously undiagnosed. Among participants thought to be HIV-uninfected (model 1), recent condomless receptive anal intercourse and last HIV test being over 1-year ago (compared to within the last 6-months) were associated with increased odds of being previously undiagnosed HIV-infected (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.43, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.10-5.36; aOR = 2.87, 95%CI = 1.10-7.53, respectively). Among HIV-infected participants (model 2), recent condomless receptive anal intercourse was again associated with previously undiagnosed HIV-infection (aOR = 2.54, 95%CI = 1.04-6.23). Achieving post-secondary education and prior syphilis infection were associated with lower odds of having previously undiagnosed HIV-infection (aOR = 0.35, 95%CI = 0.15-0.81; aOR = 0.32, 95%CI = 0.14-0.75, respectively).Reporting semiannual testing was associated with higher educational attainment, identifying as a transgender woman, or reporting a history of syphilis (aOR = 1.94, 95%CI = 1.11-3.37; aOR = 2.40, 95%CI = 1.23-4.70; aOR = 2.76, 95%CI = 1.62-4.71, respectively). Lower odds of semiannual testing were associated with recent condomless insertive anal intercourse or reporting a moderate or high self-perceived risk of acquiring HIV (aOR = 0.56, 95%CI = 0.33-0.96; aOR = 0.32, 95%CI = 0.18-0.59 and aOR = 0.43, 95%CI = 0.21-0.86, respectively).In our study, undiagnosed HIV-infection was associated with recent condomless receptive anal intercourse, infrequent HIV testing, lower education, and absence of prior syphilis diagnosis. Infrequent HIV testing was associated with lower education, not identifying as transgender, recent condomless insertive anal intercourse, absence of prior syphilis diagnosis, and higher self-perceived risk of HIV. Further efforts to decrease HIV transmission and increase HIV-serostatus awareness should be directed towards effectively promoting condom use and frequent HIV testing, integrated with STI management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dvora L. Joseph Davey
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Kelika A. Konda
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles
- Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality, AIDS and Society, and Laboratory of Sexual Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Claire C. Bristow
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Jeremy Chow
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles
| | - Jeffrey D. Klausner
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Carlos F. Cáceres
- Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality, AIDS and Society, and Laboratory of Sexual Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Gabarron E, Wynn R. Use of social media for sexual health promotion: a scoping review. Glob Health Action 2016; 9:32193. [PMID: 27649758 PMCID: PMC5030258 DOI: 10.3402/gha.v9.32193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the World Health Organization recommends educating people on sexual health. With more than 2 billion active users worldwide, online social media potentially represent powerful channels for health promotion, including sexual health. OBJECTIVE To review the scientific literature on the use of online social media for sexual health promotion. DESIGN A search was conducted of scientific and medical databases, and grey literature was also included. The selected publications were classified according to their study designs, sexual health promotion main subject, target audience age, and social media use. RESULTS Fifty-one publications were included; 4 publications presenting randomized intervention studies, 39 non-randomized intervention studies, and 8 observational studies. In 29 publications (56.9%), the main subject of the sexual health promotion was 'general' or to increase STI testing. Thirty publications (58.8%) specifically focused on youth or young people (aged 11-29 years). Fourteen publications that used social media either as unique channels for sexual health promotion interventions or as a tool supporting the sexual health promotion reported an effect on behavior (27%), and two of those studies found a reduction in the number of positive chlamydia and gonorrhea cases linked to social media intervention. Forty-four publications (86.3%) involved Facebook in some way. CONCLUSIONS Although billions of people worldwide actively use social media, we identified only 51 publications on the use of social media for promoting sexual health. About a quarter of the publications have identified promising results, and the evidence for positive effects of social media interventions for promoting sexual health is increasing. There is a need for more studies that explicitly discuss their theoretical framework, and that have strong research designs, in order to further increase the evidence base of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elia Gabarron
- Norwegian Centre for eHealth Research, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway;
| | - Rolf Wynn
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Division of Mental Health and Addictions, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Lee SW, Deiss RG, Segura ER, Clark JL, Lake JE, Konda KA, Coates TJ, Caceres CF. A cross-sectional study of low HIV testing frequency and high-risk behaviour among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Lima, Peru. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:408. [PMID: 25896917 PMCID: PMC4407786 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-1730-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased HIV testing frequency among high-risk populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and male-to-female transgender women (TW) can lead to earlier treatment and potentially reduce HIV transmission. METHODS We analyzed baseline survey data from 718 high-risk, young (median age 29 [interquartile range 23-35]) MSM/TW enrolled in a community-based HIV prevention trial between 2008-2009. Participants were recruited from 24 neighborhoods in and around Lima, Peru. We assessed HIV testing frequency, testing behaviour, and motivations and barriers to testing. Multivariate analysis identified correlates to prior HIV testing. RESULTS Overall, 79.6% reported HIV testing within their lifetimes, however, only 6.2% reported an average of two tests per year, as per Peruvian Ministry of Health guidelines. The most commonly reported motivators for testing were to check one's health (23.3%), lack of condom use (19.7%), and availability of free testing (14.0%), while low self-perceived risk for HIV (46.9%), fear of a positive result (42.0%), and lack of access to testing services (35.7%) were the most frequently reported barriers. In multivariate analysis, factors independently associated with HIV testing included age [adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) 1.00, 95% CI (1.00-1.01)], transgender-identification vs. gay-identification [APR 1.11, 95% CI (1.03-1.20)], history of transactional sex [APR 1.16, 95% CI (1.07-1.27)], and prior sexually transmitted infection diagnosis [APR 1.15, 95% CI (1.07-1.24)]. CONCLUSIONS An overwhelming majority of participants did not meet the standard-of-care for testing frequency. The reported motivations and barriers to testing highlight issues of risk perception and accessibility. Our findings suggest utilizing non-traditional outreach methods and promoting HIV testing as a routine part of healthcare in Peru to encourage testing and knowledge of HIV serostatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sky W Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Robert G Deiss
- Division of Global Public Health, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, California, USA.
| | - Eddy R Segura
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Jesse L Clark
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Jordan E Lake
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Kelika A Konda
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Thomas J Coates
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Carlos F Caceres
- Unidad de Salud Sexualidad y Desarrollo Humano, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
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