what can the media/society do to better inform the public about sexually transmitted infections?
- Research article
- Open Access
- Published:
Acceptability and potential impact of delivering sexual health promotion information through social media and dating apps to MSM in England: a qualitative study
BMC Public Health volume 19, Article number:1236 (2019) Cite this article
Abstract
Groundwork
Increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) in England is a pressing public health concern. Interventions targeting MSM, including data provision that effectively promotes sexual wellness, are needed. To support such intervention development, it is necessary to understand adequate ways of delivering sexual health information. We explored the acceptability and potential uses and impacts of delivering sexual wellness information to MSM through social media and geosocial networking apps or dating apps.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted in person or past phone with 25 MSM resident in England recruited via dating apps and social media advertisements. Interviews explored sexual health data sources, perceptions and uses. Attitudes towards sexual wellness promotion through social media and dating apps were and then discussed. The data were analysed using thematic assay.
Results
Sexual health information delivery through social media and dating apps was considered acceptable. Receiving information when browsing social media was viewed positively by near, as people have time to absorb information. In contrast, concerns were expressed that sharing or commenting on social media sexual health information may lead to judgements and discrimination. While social media reaches a loftier proportion of the population, dating apps can hands target MSM. Withal, tensions be betwixt the ability to provide information at an opportune time through dating apps, when users are connecting with new sexual partners, with the potential to adversely bear upon the app user's experience. Hypothetical and actual uses and impacts of sexual health information ranged from no impact to reading information, sharing with peers, and increased awareness, to influencing healthcare-seeking, decision-making and risk-taking behaviours. Ensuring that data is engaging, positive in tone, non likewise clinical, focused on building social norms and delivered by trusted organisations were viewed as important for supporting its use.
Conclusions
Overall, these findings support the development of new interventions that use dating apps and social media for sexual health promotion.
Peer Review reports
Background
Sexually transmitted infections (STI) continue to rise among gay men, bisexual men and other men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) in the United kingdom (U.k.) [ane,2,iii]. Coming together sexual partners through geosocial networking apps, referred to as 'dating apps' hereafter, and social media [4] influences the transmission of STIs by increasing social networks, facilitating rapid partner change, disassortative mixing and, reducing the time for epidemics to spread [5,6,vii,viii,9,x]. Indeed, Beymer and colleagues institute that utilize of dating apps for meeting sexual partners increased the likelihood of MSM testing positive for chlamydia and gonorrhoea compared to meeting partners through in-person methods [seven].
Despite sensation of HIV, MSM noesis of other STIs such equally the prevalence, transmission road, health implications and treatment procedures is variable and oftentimes poor [11]. Effective public health interventions targeting MSM, including the provision of sexual wellness data on infection risks and symptoms, infection outbreaks, sexual wellness testing, treatment and where to find it, are therefore needed.
Health-related information delivered via the internet is inexpensive, widely accessible and allows users to remain bearding [12, 13]. Social media (due east.g. Facebook, Twitter) utilise, particularly among young people [14], is mutual and may offer a useful means to reach MSM; peculiarly those who do non identify as gay and do not access Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Questioning (LGBTQ) services or sexual health services [4]. Social media interventions can be scaled up inexpensively [4] and offer a potentially effective mechanism for promoting safer sexual practices (e.thousand. condom employ) [fourteen, 15]. Interventions delivered via social media accept aimed to prevent sexual adventure behaviour [14, 15] and accept been designed to increment pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among MSM [4].
Dating apps are likewise used by many MSM [sixteen, 17] and tin can support the tailoring of sexual health information to user location [16, 18]. Currently, most dating apps do not routinely provide or sign-mail to sexual health information [nineteen] but app-delivered interventions encouraging HIV/STI testing have been shown to be viable and acceptable to MSM [16, 18]. However, concern virtually the privacy of data provision through these apps has been raised [20].
Therefore, while social media and dating apps play a cardinal role in the manual of STIs, they besides offer potential intervention settings to deliver fourth dimension-limited, cursory (written) interventions, and promote access to other sexual wellness data and to increment precautionary behaviour and / or reduce take chances behaviour [8].
At that place is currently a dearth of qualitative evidence exploring the acceptability and potential impact of sexual health information delivery through social media and dating apps. An understanding of the most acceptable and effective approach for delivering sexual health information is needed to inform, prioritise and support the effectiveness [21] of future interventions to reverse the trend in STIs in MSM. In this study, nosotros explored the acceptability and potential impacts of delivering sexual health information to MSM through social media and dating apps.
Methods
Sampling and recruitment
England resident men or transgender men aged 16 years or over who had ever had sex or intended to have sex with a man, were recruited through adverts on the dating apps - Scruff (https://www.scruff.com) and Growlr (www.growlrapp.com). Participants were also recruited through advertisements on the research team'south twitter business relationship and other relevant social media (e.g. OutBristol). An advert describing the study and inviting those interested to contact the researcher (JK) for more data on Scruff targeted Greater London and 'Shout-outs' (direct messages sent to users within a prepare radius of central postcodes in Bristol and Manchester), were issued through Growlr. These locations were called to ensure geographical variation.
JK confirmed eligibility with individuals responding to advertisements and emailed information sheets to those meeting the inclusion criteria.
Interview organisation
A convenient date and time for participants was arranged to acquit semi-structured interviews, recorded using encrypted digital audio-recorders. For participants living in Bristol, face-to-face or telephone interviews were offered whereas participants outside of Bristol were only offered telephone interviews. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Exact informed consent was audio recorded for telephone interviews for practicality reasons and written informed consent was obtained prior to contiguous interviews. We aimed to conduct interviews until theoretical saturation of emerging concepts was achieved. Participants received a £xx high-street shopping voucher in recognition of their time and effort.
Topic guide
The interview topic guide (Additional file 1) was developed for this report and practical flexibly to allow emergence of unexpected issues. It explored sources of sexual health information, perceptions and uses of information, awareness of local STI outbreaks and adequate means of wellness promotion messaging and attitudes towards the use of social media (east.g. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and dating apps to target MSM. The latter is the focus of the current paper. Participants were also asked background questions on their demographic characteristics such as age, ethnicity, instruction condition and STI and HIV testing practices. Post-obit the initial six interviews, the topic guide was adapted to meliorate clarity of the questions and reflect emerging problems.
Analysis
Sound files were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a information-driven, inductive thematic arroyo [19]. This method is suitable for qualitative research with articulate aims and facilitates the elicitation of unexpected themes.
Interview eleven's audio file was accidentally deleted prior to transcription, fieldnotes taken during this interview were analysed instead.
Transcripts were repeatedly read by JK to proceeds familiarity with the data. JK then assigned codes systematically, line-by-line. Although coding was performed inductively, the codes were informed by the topic guide. The report team [IO, GH, PC, PW, FB, IS] discussed initial coding of vi transcripts and these were and then iteratively refined and combined to produce an agreed coding framework. After 15 transcripts were coded, Pow and JK discussed in item the coding and interpretation (summarised in descriptive accounts), of these transcripts to enhance the trustworthiness and rigour of the analysis by widening JK'southward perspective. Pw as well reviewed three transcripts in detail to inform his understanding of the coding framework. Discrepancies in estimation were resolved through word which helped further develop the analysis. The coding framework was refined and applied to all transcripts by JK as data emerged from subsequent interviews and as the analysis developed.
Ethical approval
Ethical approval was granted by the University of Bristol, Kinesthesia of Wellness Sciences Research Ethics Committee (Ref: 55961). The ethics committee approved the utilize of exact informed consent procedures for telephone interviews.
Results
Forty MSM responded to the advertisements on Facebook (n = 9), Growlr (north = 21), Scruff (northward = 8) and through an unknown source (north = 2). After receiving the report data, i person declined to participate, 4 did non respond and 10 responded later on theoretical saturation had been achieved and data collection had finished. In total, 25 MSM (Table 1) participated in an interview which lasted 43 min on boilerplate (range 26–57). Participants were most commonly xxx–39 years (due north = ten), white British (northward = 19), had achieved a first or higher University degree (n = 22) and were full-fourth dimension employed (n = 13). Two identified as trans male. Twelve participants were recruited from Growlr, 3 from Scruff, 9 from Facebook and, 1 from an unknown source.
The views of MSM did not essentially differ according to geographical location or recruitment source.
Uses and impacts of sexual health information
This section does non specifically relate to information proactively received via dating apps or social media, experience of which was insufficiently common to hash out the actual utility or touch on of information previously encountered online.
Hypothetical and bodily uses and impacts of sexual wellness data received, ranged from no bear upon to reading data, sharing with peers, and increased awareness, to influencing healthcare-seeking, decision-making and risk-taking behaviours.
Information may be ignored and take no touch. Barriers to using sexual health information include a lack of business or willingness to consider sexual health. Ane participant with HIV described low self-esteem prior to his diagnosis every bit limiting his receptiveness to data.
Information technology's not just most having the information. We know that data is there and we ignore it or just don't want to see it (…). At that place are times where I may take some risks and deep within I exercise know what the risks are and I know there is information near risks online just in that moment, that's not effective for me (…). So that's the limitation but I can't recollect of whatsoever issues with the information that find I online or elsewhere, but it's more than the approach sometimes, the information approach, that I think isn't sufficient. Interview six, 32 years.
Information could reassure or increase anxiety about the seriousness of infections and their symptoms. It could inform lay diagnosis, and influence decisions on whether to seek medical assist for some; either encouraging help-seeking or reassuring that this is non necessary. Conversely, for those who are comfortable seeking medical help, data may not exist sought beforehand.
I would look on a website, observe out, "Well, yep, actually by the sounds of it, it probably could be this," and then access the health services so I could speak to a professional who could confirm one style or the other. Interview 18, 46 years.
Provision of sexual health information was seen as a style to potentially increase STI and HIV testing, vaccinations and checking whether partners have been tested. The influence on sexual risk-taking was commented on hypothetically by some.
Either information technology does or it doesn't [influence behaviour]. It's really difficult to say, isn't information technology? There'south and so much data out at that place these days that some data influences your behaviour and some information doesn't. And often it'due south nigh an aggregate of information influencing your behaviour rather than it's one item thing. Interview 17, 39 years.
Actually, when they [HIV campaign messages received on Grindr] first popped upwardly saying 'Know your status' it reminded me that I hadn't been tested in a while, then it actually prompted me to become and go a footling blood examination. Interview 22, 32 years.
Information trustworthiness, reliability, personal relevance, circumstances/timing in which the information is received, and originality were highlighted every bit informing its utility. For example, information encouraging STI testing is unlikely to upshot in more frequent testing among those who already test regularly. Ensuring information is engaging, sex positive in tone, not too clinical and focused on building positive sexual health norms were viewed as important.
I recollect information technology's a practiced idea [for healthcare organisations to utilise social media or dating apps to share sexual health information] and I remember information technology's important to do so because by sharing that data from reputable sources people are more likely to trust the information that'due south been given to them and also people are more likely to say, 'oh, because I've had this data from these organisations, actually I'one thousand more likely to get tested'.
Interview ane, 34 years.
There was a whole 'It starts with me' kind of entrada [designed to encourage HIV testing]. I retrieve that standing out and me not feeling I specially needed to respond to that 'cos I'm like 'Well, I already exercise this [test regularly for HIV].'
Interview 17, 39 years.
I call up it's getting improve simply I call up it's taking the medical element out of it and actually speaking to people in the language that they speak (…), in quite a neutral tone rather than perhaps a tone that might make people scared or broken-hearted nigh what they may or may not take.
Interview 22, 32 years.
Attitudes towards sexual health data provision via generic social media
Near MSM responded positively to the idea of healthcare organisations providing sexual health information through social media; a unremarkably used source of information and news. The timing of receiving data when browsing social media was viewed positively by nigh, as people have fourth dimension to absorb information discreetly.
It is in a (…) situation where people are simply there and receptive to data but non actively looking for annihilation. If you're scrolling through Instagram you lot're just having a little scan. Interview 9, 26 years.
I think it's the thing of non having to seek out that information, it'due south beingness given to people. Information technology can exist given in such an piece of cake way to such a wide reach of people and it makes it a lot more than accessible, especially for people who take access needs. It might non be easy for them to get to a clinic or speak to somebody about it, if they can meet that out on social media it would brand information technology a lot easier. Interview 25, 22 years.
Some participants felt that social media adverts in general were annoying and that targeted data, for example according to sexual orientation, could be creepy, intrusive and give the impression of existence tracked. Nevertheless, others commented that adverts were an accepted function of social media use and that targeting is a legitimate utilise of personal data.
When I saw the 'get tested' advertizement, well I thought it was smashing and it was, (…) but at the aforementioned fourth dimension I feel a fleck tracked, similar why am I getting this on Instagram? It was okay because at the end I did the exam and everything – it was a new thing that I constitute. I learned that it worked and it helped me only, at the aforementioned time, I couldn't avoid feeling a bit tracked or targeted. Interview 7, 27 years.
Some participants did not run into whatever negative consequences of providing sexual health information through social media. One participant highlighted that social media can offer peer support and only one participant highlighted internet access equally a barrier. Social media was expected to reach younger MSM, and one participant reflected that it is important to ensure information is age appropriate. I participant commented that information received through social media may be less trusted, depending on the information source. A few participants highlighted concerns that sharing sexual health data via social media may lead to feet and paranoia, emphasising that the information should exist posted discreetly and should not appear on newsfeeds for others to see. This was especially apropos if sexual orientation was undisclosed. There was some concern that sharing or commenting on social media sexual health information may lead to judgements, labelling and bigotry. Also, some were concerned the intended meaning of the information could exist contradistinct through posts which share and comment on information technology.
Mostly gay people (…) are not out, (…) and they take their family and friends and colleagues on Facebook. It's the same with me, so I would not like information technology. If I liked the page, and then they will exist appearing on my page and then I would non prefer that. Interview 24, 33 years.
Attitudes towards sexual health information provision via dating apps
Well-nigh MSM approved of healthcare organisations sharing sexual health information through dating apps via adverts, online chats, and signposting to further data on websites. For example, some participants talked positively about organisations such as the Terrence Higgins Trust using dating apps to provide advice and information directly to individuals through instant messaging conversations with users.
The HIV one was through GROWLr. It merely said, "If you answer these questions, you will be given a complimentary HIV test." At present, I have no reason to accept whatever thoughts that I would take HIV. I just thought "That's a useful thing to do." Interview 19, 58 years.
Literally I demand a pop up that comes up every five minutes just maxim 'be safe'! Interview 2, 22 years.
Some participants described apps indirectly supporting information provision through an increasing trend of dating app users displaying their STI, HIV and PrEP status on their profile. While some disliked this characteristic, others appreciated the openness and were prompted to seek more information.
You read on GROWLr, on people'south things, STI tested March 2018. So I thought "That's quite a nice bluecoat to have." Interview 19, 58 years.
Dating app information provision was perceived to accomplish the target audience and have the potential to deed as a reminder of prophylactic sexual practices at an opportune fourth dimension – when people are intending to take sex. Information technology enables data to exist brought to people who may be too embarrassed to look for information technology themselves. Similarly, dating apps overcome the barrier of reaching people who are non actively seeking information or regularly accessing sexual health or LGBTQ services. For example, we establish that older, more sexually experienced MSM who had decided their approach to sexual risk-taking and those in relationships tended to feel they did non need data as much as when they were younger or compared to other younger, less sexually experienced MSM.
People are aware of STDs and what they are at my age you lot know and we kind of know what to do and we know where to go but most of that is from my 20'due south. Interview 13, 37 years.
Information technology's such an easy fashion to specifically target gay men, or men-who-have-sex-with-men at least, and a lot of conversations on those apps will circumduct effectually arranging sex and that kind of affair but to have the information in that location while yous're also having those conversations makes information technology more than – information technology puts information technology in your encephalon more prominently. Interview 25, 22 years.
Some participants queried whether promoting sexual health information may contradict the mission of the apps, but it was perceived to raise the visitor'due south credibility.
If sexual wellness messages were tailored to the user'due south profile or content of conversations (e.k. prompted by use of cardinal words in letters) this may enhance the personal relevance. However, some viewed this equally intrusive and disturbing. A small number of participants commented that promoting sexual health information through dating apps may negatively affect the user feel, taking the "fun" out of meeting sexual partners, creating associations between coming together partners and infection risk and causing users to question whether the timing of adverts was related to the person they were talking to.
The timing of information provision, when people are looking for sexual partners, may besides mean users are less receptive to the information. Interviewees also anticipated some annoyance from older, more than sexually experienced, knowledgeable MSM who practise not experience they need data. Concerns about discretion of information were raised by a small number.
I think sometimes all that kind of information it does kind of have abroad like the pleasure of similar sex and (…), hooking up with people or coming together people I suppose 'crusade I don't know there's always a pocket-sized function of you just wanna become out and have fun. Interview xx, 24 years.
There may exist some people who are a lot more experienced that only remember, "Oh, God, they're throwing this at u.s.a. again. Nosotros know what to exercise" and something (−) A bit like an air hostess giving the instructions what to do if there's a crash. Interview nineteen, 58 years.
Pop-upward adverts on dating apps were mutual and more often than not disliked simply some were indifferent to pop-ups every bit they were hands ignored. In some apps, advertisements can be avoided past paying for a premium business relationship. Some participants preferred banner fashion messages rather than pop-upwardly'south as they were more discreet, less abrasive and present less impedance to use. However, the depth of information which can exist provided in banner letters is limited.
For me, personally, because (…) I feel like I'm on meridian of my sexual health, I feel similar it'south [pop-up adverts] a little scrap of an badgerer. Information technology'due south a piffling bit irritating considering I've probably gone to effort and claw up with a guy, not to think almost having sexual health check-ups, so I think it's hard. I think they're a skilful thing considering they're in a place where people are thinking about that, but at the same fourth dimension (…), from a practical point of view, they are maybe a bit of an badgerer and they do arrive the style.
Interview 4, 41 years.
Sometimes they exercise have little banner ones [adverts] at the bottom I estimate which are a bit more than discrete; but quite often they're quite in your face and that can be quite frustrating and probably I would suggest that if you're spreading like sexual health letters then really frustrating users is probably not an ideal way to do it.
Interview 3, 31 years.
Some participants felt that dating apps can exist used to straight target MSM more easily than social media. Participants felt that considering social media reaches a wider population than dating apps, the language should be less explicit or sexualised. Compared to dating apps, more information could exist provided straight on social media due to the space available and considering the information conflicts less with the purpose of use; finding sexual partners.
People are probably more than receptive to reading information when they're on social media, as opposed to a dating app. Although, when they're on a dating app, it's much easier to target the right kinds of people that you would desire to give that kind of information because anybody in that location is thinking about engaging in sexual behaviour or sexual encounters.
Interview 9, 26 years.
People prefer a positive tone on generalised social media, but you can have a piffling bit more information initially and it can exist a flake more straightforward because again you lot're not necessarily in a fight with people'south motivations. People are often just going on because that'south what they're doing rather than they have a item thing that they're looking for.
Interview 17, 39 years.
On social media, don't make information technology very sexualised, the wording, just in dating apps you tin can do that considering that's what the apps are about.
Interview 12, 45 years.
Discussion
Summary of findings
To the authors' knowledge this is the first qualitative written report in England exploring the acceptability of sexual health information provision through social media and dating apps to MSM. Sexual health information delivery through these channels, from trustworthy, reliable sources was viewed as acceptable suggesting that these channels could exist capitalised on to deliver messaging to MSM around sexual health. Diverse perceived uses and impacts of such information were captured ranging from no affect, to influencing healthcare-seeking, conclusion-making and hazard-taking behaviours.
Comparison to existing literature
There is agreement that efforts to raise awareness of STIs among MSM are needed [11, 22] and given the important role of dating apps and social media in the transmission of STIs they may offer a useful setting for intervention delivery [v,6,7,eight,9,x].
This study's findings corroborate inquiry which suggests that social media and dating apps are likely to be acceptable platforms to evangelize sexual health information [16, xviii] and that both are viable ways to reach MSM [fourteen, 15]. In detail, these routes have the advantage of communicating with those who may non access sexual health services [4]. In addition, we identified nuanced responses, including potential negative effects of social media and dating app apply for information provision. For instance, the potential for anxiety from information sharing on social media ways that data needs to be discreet to access and the importance of not hindering the user experience and pleasure of meeting sexual partners was key to the acceptability of data sharing through dating apps. In contrast, the timeliness of information provision through dating apps when people are considering meeting sexual partners and the receptivity to arresting information when using social media were emphasised.
Implications of our findings
Our findings suggest that social media and dating apps should exist used more for health promotion as they appear to exist acceptable ways to reach MSM. Ensuring such information is engaging, sex positive in tone, not as well clinical, focused on building precautionary social norms and delivered by trusted organisations is besides important. The benefit of using dating apps to deliver sexual wellness information is the power to tailor information based on the individual'southward geolocating features such as referring users to local HIV/STI testing services [xvi, xviii]. However, personalisation or targeted information is a double-edged sword. People want information that is pertinent to them but observe it intrusive to receive information which appears too precisely targeted to them.
There are specific sexual health messages that are important to disseminate to MSM regularly, and to younger MSM, in item, who are condign sexually agile and newly accessing the gay scene. Proactive information provision through dating apps and social media, tailored to the user may also help encourage re-engagement among more than experienced MSM.
Strengths and limitations
This qualitative study has gained new, in-depth insights into the perspectives of MSM including nuanced responses to the use of social media and dating apps for sexual health information provision. We connected information drove until the same issues began to arise repeatedly and niggling new information emerged, therefore we are confident that theoretical saturation was achieved. However, by recruiting via dating apps and social media, our sample may be more likely to perceive this type of data aqueduct positively. Experience of receiving data proactively via dating apps or social media was insufficiently common to talk over the utility or impact of information actually encountered online via apps or social media. Therefore, nosotros were only able to capture hypothetical acceptability of the principle of using dating apps and social media to deliver sexual wellness data rather than gaining feedback on bodily intervention content or delivery, or actual responses and impacts of such interventions. Furthermore, this method of communication may be limited by the potential for it to exist presented alongside information that facilitates potentially high risk sexual contexts such as public sexual practice environments.
The self-selected sample, which was not purposively recruited, reflected a range of ages and perceived sexual experience; however, we did not achieve multifariousness in relation to socio-economic condition or ethnicity and all participants had tested for STIs. In improver, the bulk of participants were from the south west of England. Therefore, the sample and the views expressed may non reflect all MSM.
Conclusions
Overall, these findings support the use of dating apps and social media for sexual health promotion aimed at reducing STIs amid MSM. More research is needed to develop interventions using these platforms and to evaluate the specific impact of such health promotion activities.
Availability of data and materials
Data are available at the Academy of Bristol data repository, data.bris, at https://doi.org/10.5523/bris.2wcebrf0io8wx2hbdxlv0wpmkf. Information admission is restricted to bona fide researchers for ethically approved research and subject field to approving past the University'due south Data Access Committee.
Abbreviations
- LGBTQ:
-
Lesbian gay bisexual transgender questioning
- MSM:
-
Men-who-take-sex-with-men
- PrEP:
-
Pre-exposure prophylaxis
- STI:
-
Sexually transmitted infection
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Funding
This study is a collaboration between the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit of measurement (HPRU) in Evaluation of Interventions and the NIHR HPRU in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at UCL in partnership with Public Health England and in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
The study is supported by the Wellness Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Evaluation of Interventions at the University of Bristol, in partnership with Public Health England. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the National Health Service, the NIHR, the Department of Health and Social Intendance or Public Health England.
JK is partly funded by the National Constitute for Health Inquiry (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care West (CLAHRC Westward) at University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and NIHR HPRU in Evaluation of Interventions at University of Bristol in partnership with Public Health England. KD is funded past in part by grant MR/N0137941/ane for the GW4 BIOMED DTP, awarded to the Universities of Bathroom, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter from the Medical Research Council (MRC)/UKRI. IO is partly funded past NIHR HPRU in Evaluation of Interventions and Public Health England. MH is partly funded by NIHR HPRU in Evaluation of Interventions at the Academy of Bristol in partnership with Public Health England. CHM, GH, AR and PW are partly funded by the NIHR HPRU in Claret Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at UCL in partnership with Public Wellness England and in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. PC, IS are funded past Public Wellness England. FB is funded past University College London. AH is funded past an NIHR Plan Grant for Applied Research. Nosotros admit members of the NIHR HPRU in Claret Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections Steering Committee: Caroline Sabin, Anthony Nardone, Catherine H. Mercer, Gwenda Hughes, Greta Rait, Jackie Cassell, William Rosenberg, Tim Rhodes, Kholoud Porter, Sema Mandal and Samreen Ijaz.
Author information
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Contributions
IO, MH, GH, CHM, PC conceived the study. JK and KD adult the research aims and designed the study with input from all co-authors (AH, AR, CHM, IS, IO, GH, MH, FB, PC, Prisoner of war). JK conducted the interviews, data analysis and led the manuscript writing. Pw and JK discussed the coding of a sample of transcripts to enhance the trustworthiness and rigour of the analysis. All authors (AH, AR, CHM, IS, IO, GH, JK, KD, MH, FB, PC, PW) contributed to the drafting of the paper, and approved the final version.
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Ethics approval and consent to participate
This study was ethically canonical by the Kinesthesia of Health Sciences Enquiry Ethics Committee from the University of Bristol (Ref: 55961).
Written or exact recorded informed consent was obtained prior to interview from all participants.
Consent for publication
Written or exact recorded informed consent for publication was obtained prior to interview from all participants.
All participants agreed to the following statement: "I agree to the written report publishing bearding quotations from the interviews and understand that it will not exist possible to identify me in any way."
Competing interests
Joanna May Kesten is a fellow member of the editorial board of BMC Public Health. The other authors declare that they have no competing interests.
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Additional file
Additional file 1:
Sexual health data for men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) project interview topic guide. Semi-structured interview topic guide. (DOCX 33 kb)
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Kesten, J.Chiliad., Dias, K., Burns, F. et al. Acceptability and potential impact of delivering sexual health promotion data through social media and dating apps to MSM in England: a qualitative written report. BMC Public Health 19, 1236 (2019). https://doi.org/ten.1186/s12889-019-7558-seven
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DOI : https://doi.org/ten.1186/s12889-019-7558-vii
Keywords
- Qualitative research
- Acceptability
- Sexual health information
- Men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM)
- Dating apps
- Social media
Source: https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-019-7558-7
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