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Mignault L, Vaillancourt-Morel MP, Ramos B, Brassard A, Daspe MÈ. Is swiping right risky? Dating app use, sexual satisfaction, and risky sexual behavior among adolescents and young adults. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2022.2078804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Flesia L, Fietta V, Foresta C, Monaro M. "What Are You Looking For?" Investigating the Association Between Dating App Use and Sexual Risk Behaviors. Sex Med 2021; 9:100405. [PMID: 34280593 PMCID: PMC8360931 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Literature on the association between dating app use and sexual risk behaviors is still scant and inconclusive. Aim To investigate the association between dating app use and sexual risk behaviors, considering the role of motives for using them. Methods 1,278 Italian respondents completed an online questionnaire assessing demographics, motives and patterns of dating app use, sexual behaviors and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) diagnoses. One-way ANOVA and Chi-squared analyses were used to investigate differences among the three subsamples (active vs former vs non-users). Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were run to investigate the role of demographics, motives and patterns of dating app use on sexual risk taking and sexual health. Main outcome measures Number of protected and unprotected full sexual partners in the last year; frequency of hook-ups in the last year; STIs lifetime. Results Active users, even more than former app users, were more likely to report risky behaviors and STI diagnoses than non-users (χ2 = 26.37, P < .001). Installing the apps to find friends or romantic partners was associated with less protected (find friends B = −0.364, P = .015; find romantic partners B = −0.300, P = .006) and unprotected (find friends B = −0.346, P = .016; find romantic partners B = −0.360, P < .001) sexual intercourses. Installing the apps to find sexual partners predicted higher odds of unprotected sexual activity (B = 0.193, P = .048), hook-ups (B = 0.496, P < .001) and STIs diagnoses (OR = 2.835, P = .025). Accessing apps more frequently and more years of usage was associated with reporting risky sexual behaviors and STI diagnoses among active users (app access frequency OR = 1.461, P = .003; usage years OR = 1.089, P = .013). Conclusion Installing the apps to search for sexual partners, using them at length since first installation and accessing them frequently are significant factors in influencing the association between dating app use and sexual risk behaviors. Flesia L, Fietta V, Foresta C, Monaro M. “What Are You Looking For?” Investigating the Association Between Dating App Use and Sexual Risk Behaviors. Sex Med 2021;9:100405.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Flesia
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Valentina Fietta
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Merylin Monaro
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Valente PK, Bazzi AR, Childs E, Salhaney P, Earlywine J, Olson J, Biancarelli DL, Marshall BDL, Biello KB. Patterns, contexts, and motivations for polysubstance use among people who inject drugs in non-urban settings in the U.S. Northeast. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 85:102934. [PMID: 32911318 PMCID: PMC7770041 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polysubstance use (i.e., using ≥2 psychoactive substances concomitantly) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and complicates drug treatment needs among people who inject drugs (PWID). We explored patterns, contexts, motivations, and perceived consequences of polysubstance use among PWID in small cities and towns in the U.S. Northeast. METHODS Between October 2018 and March 2019, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 45 PWID living outside of the capital cities of Rhode Island and Massachusetts recruited online and through community-based organizations. Written transcripts were coded inductively and deductively using a team-based approach and analyzed thematically. RESULTS All participants reported recent polysubstance use, with most using five or more classes of substances in the past three months. Polysubstance use often followed long personal drug use histories (i.e., years or decades of occasional drug use). Reasons for polysubstance use included obtaining synergistic psychoactive effects as a result of mixing drugs (i.e., using drugs to potentiate effects of other drugs) and managing undesirable effects of particular drugs (e.g., offsetting the depressant effects of opioids with stimulants or vice-versa). Polysubstance use to self-medicate poorly managed physical and mental health conditions (e.g., chronic pain, anxiety, and depression) was also reported. Inadequately managed cravings and withdrawal symptoms prompted concomitant use of heroin and medications for opioid use disorder, including among individuals reporting cocaine or crack as their primary "issue" drugs. Polysubstance use was perceived to increase overdose risks and to be a barrier to accessing healthcare and drug treatment services. CONCLUSION Healthcare services and clinicians should acknowledge, assess, and account for polysubstance use among patients and promote harm reduction approaches for individuals who may be using multiple drugs. Comprehensive healthcare that meets the social, physical, mental health, and drug treatment needs of PWID may decrease the perceived need for polysubstance use to self-medicate poorly managed health conditions and symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo K Valente
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, 4th Floor, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Angela R Bazzi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Ellen Childs
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Peter Salhaney
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, 8th Floor, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Joel Earlywine
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Jennifer Olson
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, 8th Floor, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Dea L Biancarelli
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Brandon D L Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, 2nd Floor, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Katie B Biello
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, 4th Floor, Providence, RI 02912, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, 2nd Floor, Providence, RI 02912, USA; The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, 1340 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Haas SM, Perazzo JD, Ruffner AH, Lyons MS. Exploring Current Stereotypes and Norms Impacting Sexual Partner HIV-Status Communication. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2020; 35:1376-1385. [PMID: 31257927 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2019.1636340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study sought to explore HIV-related stereotypes and norms that impact HIV-status communication with potential sexual partners. A series of focus groups and in-depth interviews were conducted (N = 59) with HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM (75%) and Heterosexuals (25%). Findings indicate that HIV stereotypes and stigma remain as barriers to HIV-status discussion. Differences also emerged across groups: 1) HIV-negative MSM were more likely to report engaging in HIV-status communication, 2) HIV-positive MSM described inconsistent HIV-status communication and reported concealing their status at times, and 3) Heterosexuals reported being least likely to engage in HIV-status communication; often using the blanket question "Are you clean?" to encompass all STIs and avoiding direct HIV-status discussion. Overall, findings indicate that many HIV stereotypes and stigma-related communication norms persist that discourage discussion of sexual partners' HIV-status prior to sexual activity.
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Impressions of HIV risk online: Brain potentials while viewing online dating profiles. COGNITIVE AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2020; 19:1203-1217. [PMID: 31183620 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-019-00731-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
There is an increasing trend to use online dating to meet potential partners. Previous studies in off-line contexts indicate that people may judge the risk of sexually transmitted infections based on a person's appearance. Online dating profiles commonly present profile pictures and verbal self-descriptions. To examine the integration of verbal and visual risk information, the current event-related potential (ERP) study used a simulated dating platform in which verbal-descriptive information (low vs. high verbal risk) was presented, followed by a photograph (low vs. high visual risk). Results indicated main effects of verbal and visual risk. Specifically, high-risk compared with low-risk verbal profiles elicited a relative negative shift over occipitoparietal sensor sites between 260 ms and 408 ms. Furthermore, a sustained occipital negativity (132-500 ms) and central positivity (156-272 ms) was observed for high as compared with low visual risk profiles. There was also evidence for the integration of verbal and visual risk formation, as indicated by distinct positive ERP shift occurred between 272 ms and 428 ms over anterior temporal regions when a high-risk photograph was preceded by high-risk verbal information. This suggests that verbal-descriptive information is integrated with visual appearance early in the processing stream. The distinct response for high verbal and visual information extends the notion of an alarm function ascribed to risk perception by demonstrating integration about multiple sources. Simulating online dating platforms provides a useful tool to examine intuitive risk perception.
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Tsai JY, Sussman S, Pickering TA, Rohrbach LA. Is Online Partner-Seeking Associated with Increased Risk of Condomless Sex and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Individuals Who Engage in Heterosexual Sex? A Systematic Narrative Review. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2019; 48:533-555. [PMID: 30155796 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1235-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Use of Internet websites and mobile applications to meet potential romantic and sexual partners is becoming increasingly popular. While the Internet might foster better communication and sexual negotiation between partners, it can also be a deceptive environment that instigates and accelerates sexual risk-taking. Given the complexities of the Internet, it is critical to examine the association between risky sexual behaviors (RSBs) and online partner-seeking. Five databases (i.e., Google Scholar, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Ovid Medline) were searched for articles published before September 10, 2017, that examined the association between online partner solicitation (either for romantic and/or sexual reasons) and RSBs. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were empirical papers published in English-language peer-reviewed journals looking at samples of online partner seekers who practice heterosexual sex (with a comparison group) and reporting either condom use or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) status, which were the two primary outcomes. A total of 25 studies met the criteria to be included in our review. Results from this literature search do not indicate a clear association between online partner-seeking and condom use or STI status. Potential moderators (i.e., age, gender, reasons for online partner solicitation, duration of Internet correspondence, and Internet modalities) that should be included in future research were identified. Sexual health prevention efforts should address methods to negotiate safe practices between sexual partners and to encourage healthy non-virtual relationships, particularly among vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Y Tsai
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Soto Street Building, 2001 N. Soto Street, 3rd Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
| | - Steve Sussman
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Soto Street Building, 2001 N. Soto Street, 3rd Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Trevor A Pickering
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Soto Street Building, 2001 N. Soto Street, 3rd Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Louise Ann Rohrbach
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Soto Street Building, 2001 N. Soto Street, 3rd Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
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Anzani A, Di Sarno M, Prunas A. Using smartphone apps to find sexual partners: A review of the literature. SEXOLOGIES 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sexol.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Anzani A, Di Sarno M, Prunas A. L’utilisation des applis de smartphones pour trouver des partenaires sexuels. SEXOLOGIES 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sexol.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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O'Byrne P, Orser L, MacPherson P, Valela N. The patient rationale for seeking HIV PEP: Qualitative results from a nurse-led program. Public Health Nurs 2018; 35:386-395. [PMID: 29633326 DOI: 10.1111/phn.12404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV PEP is an intervention to prevent HIV seroconversion among HIV-negative persons after they have come into contact with the virus. The literature suggests PEP is greater than 80% effective at reducing HIV seroconversion. To expand access to this prevention strategy, we established a nurse-led PEP program in two STI clinics. AIMS We sought to explore why people seek PEP, and their experiences using it. MATERIALS & METHODS We invited participants who used our PEP program to engage in semi-structured qualitative interviews. These were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using the techniques of thematic analysis. RESULTS Twelve men who initiated PEP through our program participated in an interview. Thematic analysis of the data identified three themes: (1) assessing risk, (2) euphoria and distress, and (3) reducing distress. DISCUSSION Based on our findings, it appears as though instances of condomless sex were atypical and unplanned, they occurred due to contextual factors (e.g., consent, desire to explore, sexual chemistry/intensity), and they resulted in a state of temporary euphoria, which, afterward, transformed into distress (i.e., "feel[ing] stupid"). The participants used PEP not only for HIV prevention, but also (and perhaps more so) to address their emotional state. PEP used seemed to primarily occur to address situations of atypical sexual contact with partners they did not "know" or "trust". CONCLUSION We feel these results help contextualize how potential PEP users view HIV risk assessments, and how they determine their need for this intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren Orser
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Paul MacPherson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Nick Valela
- Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Manavi K, Hodson J. Observational study of factors associated with return of home sampling kits for sexually transmitted infections requested online in the UK. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e017978. [PMID: 29061625 PMCID: PMC5665267 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate factors associated with the return of home sampling kits for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). SETTING Online STI testing service offered to the residents of Birmingham and Solihull. PARTICIPANTS All patients requesting STI home sampling kits via the Umbrella sexual health service website between 15 July 2016 and 14 December 2016. INTERVENTIONS Associations between data collected at online registration and the rate of return of STI home sampling kits within 30 days of request was assessed. RESULTS A total of 5310 kits were requested, of which 3099 (58.4%) were returned to the medical microbiology laboratory. On multivariable analysis, women and men who have sex with men were similarly likely to return their sampling kits (adjusted OR (ORadj) 1.06, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.30), while heterosexual men were significantly less likely to return their sampling kits (ORadj 0.63, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.72, p<0.001 vs women). Patients reporting symptoms were also less likely to return kits (ORadj 0.77, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.89, p=0.001 vs asymptomatic patients). Kits that were delivered to the patient's home, rather than to a clinic or pharmacy (p<0.001), and those requested from less economically deprived neighbourhoods (p=0.029) were significantly more likely to be returned. CONCLUSION STI self-sampling testing kits delivered to patients' homes are most likely to be returned. Heterosexual men and those from more economically deprived areas are the less likely groups to return the kits. Further research on the barriers to return self-sampling STI testing kits of these subgroups of patients is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Registered with R&D department at University Hospitals Birmingham; CARMS-13551.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaveh Manavi
- Department of Genitourinary Medicine, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - James Hodson
- Department of Medical Statistics, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
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Siegel K, Meunier É, Lekas HM. Accounts for Unprotected Sex with Partners Met Online from Heterosexual Men and Women from Large US Metropolitan Areas. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2017; 31:315-328. [PMID: 28590778 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2017.0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
For about 30 years, soon after the onset of the AIDS epidemic, sexual-health messaging has emphasized personal responsibility for using condoms to protect from acquiring or transmitting HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. Those who did not use condoms during casual sexual encounters may therefore feel compelled to offer to others aware of their behavior what sociologists have called "accounts," an impression-management strategy to avoid unfavorable judgment. We analyzed accounts-excuses and justifications-from qualitative interviews with 150 adults who had unprotected sex in the past 3 months with at least two different partners met online (ages 18-50, mean: 33.7, equally divided among black, Hispanic, and white men and women, over half were college educated and the median yearly household income range was $50-$75,000). Many participants made excuses that aimed to defer responsibility for unprotected sex: they claimed that consistently practicing safer sex was impossible, that they got carried away by sexual passion, that they were inebriated, that they were influenced by emotional or psychological problems, or they put fault on their partners. Participants also provided justifications, claiming that unsafe sex had been acceptable because the risks taken were likely minimal or negotiated with their partner. Understanding the accounts heterosexual adults offer to excuse and justify condomless sex with partners met online can be helpful in developing prevention messages that debunk these explanations for their behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolynn Siegel
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Étienne Meunier
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Helen-Maria Lekas
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
- Nathan Kline Institute for Mental Health Research, Orangeburg, New York
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