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AJPH First Look, published online ahead of print Apr 26, 2007
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AJPH.2005.075630v1
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American Journal of Public Health, 10.2105/AJPH.2005.075630

Research and Practice

Tip of the Iceberg: Young Men Who Have Sex With Men, the Internet, and HIV Risk

Robert Garofalo 1*, Amy Herrick 2, Brian S. Mustanski 3, Geri Rachel Donenberg 3

1 Children's Memorial Hospital/Howard Brown Health Center
2 Howard Brown Health Center
3 Institute for Juvenile Research, University of Illinois at Chicago

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: rgarofalo{at}childrensmemorial.org.


  Abstract

Objectives. We examined the prevalence of Internet use for meeting sexual partners (Internet partners) and HIV risk behaviors associated with this use among young men who have sex with men (aged 16-24 years).

Methods. A sample of 270 young men who have sex with men completed a computer-assisted survey. We used bivariate {chi}2 analyses and hierarchical logistic regression to assess factors associated with Internet-facilitated sexual encounters.

Results. Using the Internet to meet sexual partners was common; 48% of our sample had sexual relations with an online partner they met online. Of these, only 53% used condoms consistently, and 47% reported having sex with partners older (>4 years) than themselves. Regression analyses showed increased age, White race/ethnicity, history of unprotected anal intercourse, multiple anal intercourse partners, and engaged sexual activity at a sex club or a bathhouse were associated with meeting sexual partners through the Internet. Only history of unprotected anal intercourse was associated with risky sexual behaviors with Internet partners (P<0.025).

Conclusions. Young men who have sex with men and who seek partners online also engage in other behaviors that place them at risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Key Words: Adolescent Health, HIV/AIDS, Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender Persons, Media, Sexual Health, Substance Abuse




This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 Arch Pediatr Adolesc MedHome page
R. Garofalo, B. S. Mustanski, D. J. McKirnan, A. Herrick, and G. R. Donenberg
Methamphetamine and Young Men Who Have Sex With Men: Understanding Patterns and Correlates of Use and the Association With HIV-Related Sexual Risk
Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, June 1, 2007; 161(6): 591 - 596.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]


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