Examine the associations between smartphone hookup application uses and sexual health and relationship outcomes among college students

Risk and demographic factors associated with STI testing adherence among non-single men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States

Though men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), factors that impact STI testing adherence among non-single MSM remain under-explored. While being in a relationship per se does not necessarily increase one's risk for STIs, certain behavioral risks and demographic factors may impact STI testing adherence. Through a sample of 296 non-single MSM located in the United States, we examined key behavioral and demographic factors and their associations with adherence to CDC's STI testing guidelines. Overall, the results showed inconsistent STI testing adherence rates among divergent subgroups of higher-risk non-single MSM. First, non-single MSM who take PrEP were more likely to adhere to STI testing and showed significantly higher adherence rates than those who do not take PrEP, but adherence rates were not related to nor significantly different than those who reported extra-relational sex or condomless anal sex. Further, STI testing adherence was positively associated with having a shorter relationship length, identifying as non-White, and living in an LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhood. Practical implications and recommendations for clinical practices, persuasive messages, and promotion strategies are discussed.

Validation of the Polish Problematic Tinder Use Scale and Its Relationship with Safe Sex Behaviors

INTRODUCTION

Online dating is a common phenomenon. The manageability and access of the application allows people to quickly reach many potential partners, which can increase risky sexual behaviors. The Problematic Tinder Use Scale (PTUS) was developed and validated in a Polish population by analyzing the reliability, validity, and factor structure of the responses given by Polish-speaking participants.

METHODS

Two samples of adult Tinder users were recruited online. The first study aimed to perform the reliability coefficient Cronbach's, interrater analysis, exploratory, and confirmatory factor analysis. The second sample was recruited to investigate the factor structure by combining it with the Safe Sex Behavior Questionnaire (SSBQ). The sociodemographic data, such as hours of use and number of dates, were also investigated.

RESULTS

The Polish participants' responses to the PTUS (sample 1: N = 271, sample 2: N = 162) revealed the one-factor structure of the tool. The reliability of the measurement was α = 0.80. The construct validity was confirmed. The results showed a significant, negative, and weak correlation between the PTUS and SSBQ scores and their subscales: risky sexual behaviors (r = -0.18), condom use (r = -0.22), and avoidance of body fluids (r = -0.17). Moreover, the number of partners met in the real world had a statistically significant, moderate relationship with the PTUS scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The PTUS measurement is valid and reliable for the Polish population. The findings highlight the need for harm prevention strategies related to potentially addictive Tinder use, as well as the possible risky sexual behaviors associated with dating app use.

A study of the factors influencing HIV-preventive intentions among "hookup" application users

"Hooking up" refers to the act of experiencing sexual intimacy with strangers without committing to a romantic relationship. Social media provide more convenient conditions for hooking up; however, it also poses a greater risk for HIV infection. Therefore, it is necessary to study the factors influencing the HIV-preventive intentions of those who engage in online dating to devise effective strategies for preventing the spread of HIV. This study consisted of a questionnaire that was distributed to 520 users of the Hello Group application. The survey results revealed that structural equation modeling is a useful framework for understanding the risk of HIV transmission in casual hookup encounters. In addition, combining the health belief model with the theory of planned behavior can provide recommendations for enhancing HIV-preventive intentions among users of dating applications. The results showed that mindfulness, the Chinese cultural context, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy were the main predictors of users' HIV-preventive intentions when using online dating applications. Among the perceived HIV risks, only perceived barriers had a negative effect on users' HIV-preventive intentions. In addition, attitude, subjective norms, and behavior control served as mediating variables between independent variables and HIV-preventive intentions; however, the mediating effect of attitude on perceived benefits and intentions was not significant. According to our study, some users misunderstand the risks and make incorrect assessments of the cultural risks of hooking up. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the research on the psychological tendencies of users and risk intervention when studying the concept of hooking up.