Using grindr, a smartphone social-networking application, to increase HIV self-testing among black and latino men who have sex with men in Los Angeles, 2014

Emily Huang, Robert W. Marlin, Sean D. Young, Alex Medline, Jeffrey D. Klausner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

79 Scopus citations

Abstract

In Los Angeles County, about 25% of men who have sex with men (MSM) are HIV-positive but unaware of their status. An advertisement publicizing free HIV self-tests was placed on Grindr, a smartphone social-networking application, from April 17 to May 29, 2014. Users were linked to http://freehivselftests.weebly.com/ to choose a self-test delivery method: U.S. mail, a Walgreens voucher, or from a vending machine. Black or Latino MSM ≥ 18 years old were invited to take a testing experiences survey. During the campaign, the website received 11,939 unique visitors (average: 284 per day) and 334 self-test requests. Among 57 survey respondents, 55 (97%) reported that using the self-test was easy; two persons reported testing HIV positive and both sought medical care. Social networking application self-testing promotion resulted in a large number of self-test requests and has high potential to reach untested high-risk populations who will link to care if they test positive.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)341-349
Number of pages9
JournalAIDS Education and Prevention
Volume28
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2016
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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