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In an analysis of 11 years of P&S syphilis data, several factors were associated with declines or resurgences. Innovative prevention measures are needed to reduce syphilis morbidity among men who have sex with men.

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Background Geosocial networking (GSN) app use among men who have sex with men (MSM) has presented new opportunities for increasing the reach and efficiency of sexual health interventions but also poses challenges to HIV/sexually transmitted disease partner notification. Understanding MSM's attitudes toward app-based preventive sexual health services can help inform their development and delivery. Methods We recruited US MSM who had met a sex partner on GSN apps in the last year to participate in an online survey assessing acceptability and preferences regarding app-based partner notification, health department presence, and sexual health services. Three app-based notification strategies were presented: sending notification messages through participant's/partner's app profile, health department app profile, or in-app anonymous messaging. Results Of 791 respondents, a majority (70%) preferred to be notified by their partner directly; however, most would get tested if notified by health department profile (95%) or anonymous in-app message (85%). Given the options provided, 50% preferred notifying a partner using their own profile, 26% with health department assistance, and 24% via in-app anonymous message. A majority (71%) were comfortable notifying a partner through a health department profile, and 74% were comfortable using in-app anonymous messaging. Most participants (82%) were comfortable with health departments having app profiles to provide sexual health services. Conclusions Our results suggest that GSN app–based partner notification and sexual health services would be used by and are acceptable to US MSM. Partnering with app companies to integrate these services and increase access to public health programs has potential to improve MSM sexual health.

Meeting sex partners through geosocial networking (GSN) apps is common among men who have sex with men (MSM). MSM may choose not to exchange contact information with partners met through GSN apps, limiting their own and health departments' ability to notify partners of HIV/STD exposure through standard notification methods. Using online focus groups (four groups; N = 28), we explored the perspectives of U.S. MSM regarding offer of partner notification features through GSN apps. Most participants were comfortable with HIV/STD partner notification delivered via GSN apps, either by partner services staff using a health department profile or through an in-app anonymous messaging system. While most participants expressed a responsibility to notify partners on their own, app-based partner notification methods may be preferred for casual or hard-to-reach partners. However, participants indicated that health departments will need to build trust with MSM app users to ensure acceptable and effective app-based delivery of partner notification.