Internet sex-seeking is inconsistently linked with sexual risk in men who have sex with men: systematic review of within-subjects comparisons.

Journal article

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.We systematically searched databases on 9 July 2013, then screened records and full-text articles in duplicate and independently. Studies were synthesised narratively.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.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.

Authors: Melendez-Torres, GJ; Nye, E; Bonell, C

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
• Journal: Sexual health
• Volume: 12
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 183-187
• Publication date: 2015-06-01
• Acceptance date: 2015-02-06
• DOI: 10.1071/sh14183
• EISSN: 1449-8987
• ISSN: 1448-5028
• Pmid: 25844812
• Language: English
• Keywords: unprotected anal intercourse; risk behaviour; condom use; online dating; SBTMR; HIV epidemiology