The safe utilization of dating applications among males that have intercourse with guys: research protocol for a randomised trial that is controlled evaluate an interactive web-based intervention to lessen high-risk intimate behaviours

Edmond P. H. Choi

1 class of Nursing, University of Hong Kong, 4/F, William M.W. Mong Block 21 Sassoon path, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

Eric P. F. Chow

2 Melbourne ashley madison  free app Sexual Wellness Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC Australia

3 Central Clinical Class, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC Australia

4 Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne class of Population and worldwide wellness, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC Australia

Eric Y. F. Wan

5 Department of Family Medicine and main Care, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

6 Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

William C. W. Wong

5 Department of Family Medicine and main Care, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

Janet Y. H. Wong

1 class of Nursing, University of Hong Kong, 4/F, William M.W. Mong Block 21 Sassoon path, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

Daniel Y. T. Fong

1 class of Nursing, University of Hong Kong, 4/F, William M.W. Mong Block 21 Sassoon path, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

Abstract

Background

Particularly, both worldwide and regional research reports have discovered a higher prevalence of intimately sent infections (STIs) and high-risk intimate behaviours, such as for example condomless anal intercourse, substance abuse together with intercourse (‘chemsex’) and team intercourse, among males who possess intercourse with men (MSM) dating application (app) users. Even though the utilization of dating apps is a rising intimate danger element, little work happens to be expended regarding the advertising of safe intercourse and good intimate wellness on the list of users of these apps. Consequently, the goal of the proposed research would be to develop and assess the effectiveness of a interactive intervention that is web-based enhancing the intimate wellness of MSM dating software users in Hong Kong.

Practices

A two-armed randomised managed test will be carried out. Chinese MSM dating application users are going to be recruited and arbitrarily allocated into either the intervention (n = 200) or control group (n = 200). Topics within the intervention team will get the web-based intervention containing interactive content that (1) encourages a confident attitude towards constant condom usage and HIV/STI testing and bad attitude towards chemsex and team intercourse; (2) positions condom usage and regular HIV/STI testing as normative; and (3) targets enhanced recognized self-efficacy concerning condom usage and settlement and HIV/STI testing. The control team will get just web-based information without intimate wellness elements. Subjects both in combined teams is supposed to be assessed at standard and three and six months after standard. The main result will function as regularity of condomless rectal intercourse in the last a few months.

Conversation

The proposed research will assist growth of culturally appropriate wellness advertising programmes targeted at minimising the possibility damage of dating app usage and marketing the intimate wellness of MSM dating software users. The web-based intervention, if discovered effective, could have essential medical and policy implications, as possible adopted by the federal federal government and non-governmental organisations focusing on MSM. Furthermore, the proposed intervention can achieve numerous MSM at relatively low priced, and so gets the possible to test the burgeoning HIV/STI epidemic among MSM in Hong Kong in a economical way.

Test registration

International standard randomized trial that is controlled (ISRCTN) registry: ISRCTN16681863 registered on 28 April 2020.

Background

Usage of smartphone dating applications (apps): a modern event

Improvements in mobile technology now enable Web access via smart phones. The growing appeal of smart phones and online access globally have actually resulted in the launch of numerous location-based smartphone relationship applications (apps), also referred to as geosocial networking apps which make utilization of the worldwide placement system (GPS) [1]. GPS technology permits these apps in order to connect users with other users within the vicinity that is immediate. Additionally, dating apps allow users to produce pages comprising a self-introduction, pictures and fundamental demographic information, in addition to what they’re searching for in somebody. Whilst some apps, such as for example Tinder and Skout, have already been developed for both the homosexual and heterosexual populations; others apps such as for example Grindr and Jack’d specifically target homosexual and bisexual men [2]. Dating apps have actually drawn considerable general public attention in the last few years. In line with the Pew Research Center, in 2015, 9percent of grownups in the usa reported having utilized a smartphone dating app at some time, which represented a threefold enhance over 2013, whenever simply 3% associated with the country’s adults reported use [3] that is such.

Uses and satisfaction theory [4, 5] and affordance theory [6] have already been used to describe the motives for making use of dating apps [7–10]. The previous posits that physical, social and gratification that is psychosocial induce visitors to utilize such apps [7, 11, 12]. The gratification that is physical through dating apps includes sexual satisfaction and desire [12], while the social satisfaction includes love and love [1]. Psychosocial gratification comprises a need for stimulation and validation of one’s intimate attractiveness [1]. In contrast, affordance theory shows that flexibility, proximity and immediacy would be the motives for making use of dating apps [10]. With regards to mobility, users can access the apps anywhere whenever you want, because so many people have a tendency to carry their smartphones wherever they’re going. When it comes to proximity, dating apps connect users with other people inside their immediate vicinity, and, with regards to immediacy, some dating application users have actually recommended that the apps facilitate fast as well as instant sexual encounters [10].