HIV Risk Behaviors, Perceptions, and Testing and Preexposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Awareness/Use in Grindr-Using Men Who Have Sex With Men in Atlanta, Georgia

Abstract

Geosocial-networking smartphone applications such as Grindr can help men who have sex with men (MSM) meet sexual partners. Given the high incidence of HIV in the Deep South, the purpose of our study was to assess HIV risk and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness and use in a sample of HIV-uninfected, Grindr-using MSM residing in Atlanta, Georgia (n = 84). Most (n = 71; 84.6%) reported being somewhat or very concerned about becoming HIV infected. Most (n = 74; 88.1%) had been tested for HIV in their lifetimes. About three fourths (n = 65; 77.4%) were aware of PrEP, but only 11.9% currently used the medication. HIV continues to disproportionately impact MSM and represents a significant source of concern. As the number of new infections continues to rise, it is important to decrease risks associated with acquisition and transmission of HIV by increasing rates of HIV testing and the use of biobehavioral interventions such as PrEP.

Acceptability of HIV Prevention Information Delivered Through Established Geosocial Networking Mobile Applications to Men Who Have Sex With Men

“…However, the participants included in this study are similar to other GSN app users in regard to HIV testing tendencies. Ninety-five percent of participants included in this survey had been tested for HIV at least once in their lives, which is similar to rates reported by Grindr users in Atlanta (12). This, in combination with the general acceptability reported here, may speak to an increased awareness of sexual risks and a desire to maintain sexual health among app users that can be further facilitated through having HIV information available through GSN apps.…”

Low Awareness and Use of Preexposure Prophylaxis in a Diverse Online Sample of Men Who Have Sex With Men in New York City

“…We used similar methods to those described by others to recruit participants (Goedel, Halkitis, Greene, Hickson, & Duncan, 2016; Rendina, Jimenez, Grov, Ventuneac, & Parsons, 2014). During a 48-hour period in September 2013, we used broadcast and banner advertisements, displayed to users when opening the application in the Bronx, NY.…”

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for men who have sex with men in Europe: review of evidence for a much needed prevention tool

“…However, such high awareness does not necessarily translate into a high PrEP uptake among MSM 8 11 12. Until 2 years after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, PrEP uptake has been slow in the USA,13 14 and while it has risen significantly between 2013 and 2016, this increase is still relatively small, except for cities such as San Francisco and New York 15–17.…”