Social Media Use and Prevention of HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections among At-Risk College Students in the United States

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate college students' self-perceptions of HIV/STI risk, potential barriers to HIV/STI testing, use of social media, and technology-based HIV/STI health interventions. Surveys were administered to 97 US college students. Participants were categorized into three groups based on sexual behaviors: (1) men who have sex with men (MSM), (2) men who have sex with women (MSW), and (3) women who have sex with men (WSM). MSM (n=24) were significantly more likely MSW/WSM (n=72) to report being tested in the past year for HIV (p<.01) and other STIs (p<.01). Only 35% reported HIV testing and 24% reported STI testing in the past year. MSM were more likely than MSW to report having met a sexual partner through social media (p<.01), while no WSM reported doing so. The average number of partners met online in the past year was 7.8 (range=1-20). Those who had met a partner online were more willing to receive e-mail or text message HIV/STI testing reminders (p<.05).