Correlates of Geosocial Networking Applications (GSN Apps) Usage among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in Nigeria, Africa.

Journal: Archives of sexual behavior

Volume: 50

Issue: 7

Year of Publication: 2021

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, S Main Street, Box G-S-, Providence, RI, , USA. dotunogunbajo@gmail.com. Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, S Main Street, Box G-S-, Providence, RI, , USA. Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, Nigeria. Centre for Right to Health, Abuja, Nigeria. Equality Triangle for Health and Peoples Development Initiative, Warri, Delta, Nigeria.

Abstract summary 

Geosocial networking applications (GSN apps) are widely utilized by gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) to meet potential sexual/romantic partners, foster friendships, and build community. However, GSN apps usage has been linked to elevated levels of HIV sexual risk behavior among GBMSM. Little is known about how GSN apps can facilitate HIV sexual risk behaviors, especially among GBMSM in Africa. To fill this gap in research, the present study aimed to characterize the frequency of GSN apps usage and its association with sociodemographic characteristics, sexual health, healthcare access, psychosocial problems, and substance use in a large multicity sample of community-recruited GBMSM in Nigeria (N = 406). Bivariate and multivariable ordinal logistic regression procedures were used to examine factors associated with GSN apps usage. We found that 52.6% of participants reported recent (≤ 3 months) GSN apps use to meet sexual partners. Factors associated with increased odds of GSN apps usage included: being single, having a university degree or higher, reporting higher recent receptive anal sexual acts, being aware of PrEP, having a primary care provider, and reporting higher levels of identity concealment. HIV-related intervention delivered through GSN apps may help curb the spread of HIV among Nigerian GBMSM.

Authors & Co-authors:  Ogunbajo Adedotun A Lodge William W Restar Arjee J AJ Oginni Olakunle A OA Iwuagwu Stella S Williams Rashidi R Biello Katie K Mimiaga Matthew J MJ

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Altan, K. B. (2019). Problematic versus non-problematic location-based dating app use: Exploring the psychosocial impact of grindr use patterns among gay and bisexual men.https://uhra.herts.ac.uk/handle/2299/22527
Authors :  8
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1007/s10508-020-01889-3
SSN : 1573-2800
Study Population
Men
Mesh Terms
HIV Infections
Other Terms
Bisexual and other men who have sex with men;Geosocial networking applications;HIV risk;Nigeria;PrEP;Sexual orientation
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Niger
Publication Country
United States