Internet sex-seeking is inconsistently linked with sexual risk in men who have sex with men: systematic review of within-subjects comparisons
G. J. Melendez-Torres A C , Elizabeth Nye A and Chris Bonell BA Centre for Evidence-Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Barnett House, 32 Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2ER, UK.
B Department of Childhood, Families and Health, University College London, 20 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0AL, UK.
C Corresponding author. Email: gerardo.melendez-torres@spi.ox.ac.uk
Sexual Health 12(3) 183-187 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH14183
Submitted: 14 September 2014 Accepted: 6 February 2015 Published: 7 April 2015
Abstract
Background: Internet sex-seeking has been associated at the person level with sexual risk. However, the most robust method of encounter-level inference to determine associations between internet sex-seeking and sexual risk is to compare encounters against each other. We systematically reviewed within-subjects comparisons of sexual encounters that tested associations between internet sex-seeking and sexual risk in men who have sex with men. Methods: We systematically searched databases on 9 July 2013, then screened records and full-text articles in duplicate and independently. Studies were synthesised narratively. Results: Four studies were included. Although studies were generally of high quality, the findings were inconsistent and did not show clear evidence of a relationship between internet sex-seeking and sexual risk. Conclusions: Further research in internet sex-seeking among men who have sex with men is required, particularly as internet-enabled sexual sociality continues to evolve. Internet-based health promotion may wish to target person-level features instead of encounter-specific characteristics.
Additional keywords: condom use, HIV epidemiology, online dating, risk behaviour, unprotected anal intercourse.
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