Risk behaviors among sexual partners of African American and Latino online social network - Using men who have sex with men

Abstract

Introduction: Aim of the study was to clarify the basic demographic characteristics, sexual risk behaviors, and online social network use of the sexual partners of African American and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) to inform interventions. African American and Latino MSM are increasingly using online social networks to meet sexual partners. Online social network interventions are being designed to increase HIV prevention among these populations with the hope that the interventions will spread throughout the social networks to also reduce risk among sexual partners. However, little is known about the sexual partners of African American and Latino MSM or how these partners might impact HIV risk. Material and methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey study that took place in fall of 2012. Forty-four participants were recruited via referrals from a previous study with high-risk MSM. Participants were invited to contact their current, former, or potential sexual partners on Facebook. Sexual behavior and online social network usage data were collected. Results: The participants had a mean age of 31.8 years old. More than 50% of partners had not been tested for HIV in the past 12 months, nearly 30% were previously diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease, and 15% had used drugs while having sex. 36 % of the participants had gone online to meet new sexual partners. Conclussion: Results suggest that sex partners of African American and Latino MSM are engaging in behaviors (drug use and lack of testing for STDs) that are associated with an increased risk of HIV/AIDS. Additional studies should elucidate the characteristics of interconnected sexual networks that facilitate rapid transmission of HIV as well as create tailored and culturally appropriate interventions for minority men who have sex with men.