The use of geosocial networking smartphone applications and the risk of sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

BackgroundGeosocial networking smartphone applications (apps) are popular tools for seeking sexual partners among men who have sex with men (MSM). We evaluated app use and risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in app-using MSM (app-users) by a systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsA literature search for relevant studies was performed. We extracted date of STIs (ever being diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia) and sexual behavior (e.g., number of app-met partners, unprotected anal/oral sex, HIV testing) from the eligible studies. Pooled proportions and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated.ResultsTwenty-five studies were included. The self-reported prevalence of prior diagnosis of HIV among app-users ranged from 2.2 to 37.7%, and the pooled prevalence of HIV infection was 6% (95% CI, 4–11%). Compared with non-users, app-users were more likely to have gonorrhea (OR = 2.36; 95% CI, 2.07–2.70) and chlamydia (OR = 2.22; 95% CI, 1.92–2.56). The two groups were similar in terms of diagnoses of HIV (OR = 0.89, 95% CI, 0.68–1.16) and syphilis (OR = 1.92; 95% CI, 0.91–4.03). However, when one study that caused substantial heterogeneity was omitted, the pooled OR for app-users to contract syphilis became 3.00 (95% CI, 1.84–4.91) .ConclusionsMSM who seek sexual partners using apps may be more likely to have STIs as than are non-users.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-018-6092-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e fatores associados ao uso do preservativo em usuários de aplicativos de encontro no Brasil

“…quency of use in this and other similar studies. (17,18) This app is more popular among this population, (2,17,18) connecting users discretely, conveniently and free of charge. The success of this app among mobile applications is due to the possibility of building communities, experiences of entertainment and favoring greater socialization, as the app lowers entry barriers of MSM and reduces risk of encountering homophobia.…”

“…(26) Despite methodological differences, the growth in cases of HIV among this population is undeniable and reported all over the world. (1,(14)(15)(16)(17) Factors associated with condom use The use of apps influenced how MSM used prevention methods, especially condoms. Use was more inconsistent among those with only casual partners, considering that these relationships are usually quick and little information tends to be exchanged.…”

Epidemiology of gonorrhoea: a global perspective

“…[43][44][45] Increasing use of geospatial applications to find sex partners, use of HIV seroadaptive behaviours, the introduction of HIV PrEP and proliferation of circuit parties and group sex events, particularly those involving chemsex, might contribute to changes in behaviour and development of large and dense sexual networks that may facilitate gonorrhoea transmission. [46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57] Emerging gonococcal antimicrobial resistanceparticularly resistance to the only remaining currently recommended antimicrobialsamong MSM is of grave concern. While the pattern is not universal, gonococcal isolates from MSM often demonstrate greater prevalence of antimicrobial resistance than isolates from heterosexuals.…”

Sex-on-Premise Venues, Associated Risk Behaviors, and Attitudes toward Venue-Based HIV Testing among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Lima, Perú

“…In addition, geosocial networking applications (e.g. Grindr), which have been associated with increased sexual risk behavior and STIs incidence in some settings (58)(59)(60), have had substantial growth in popularity since the two earlier studies.…”