Reaching Egyptian Gays Using Social Media: A Comprehensive Health Study and a Framework for Future Research

Abstract

The Internet has revolutionized research on sexual minorities by providing direct and safe access to hidden, stigmatized, and high-risk populations. This study investigated the possibility of using Facebook to reach Egyptian gays. The questionnaire was manually distributed to an extensive list of Facebook pages and groups related to the topic that has been collected using a snowball-like technique. The recruitment lasted from August 2015 to May 2016. Among the 461 eligible participants, the mean age was 26.6 (SD = 7.6), and the majority (74%) were highly educated. Only 17% use condoms consistently, and 34% have ever tested for HIV. Guilt feelings and trying to change sexual orientation were very high and were associated with higher religiosity and low condom use and HIV testing (p < .05). Also, 10% have ever tried to end their life. Most of the participants did not disclose their sexual orientation to anybody other than their partners, and 60% will not disclose it to health care providers even if needed. The low health awareness among Egyptian gays requires Internet-based health campaigns.