Requests for Safer Sex Among Men Who Have Sex with Men Who Use the Internet to Initiate Sexual Relationships: Implications for Healthcare Providers

ABSTRACT The number of men who have sex with men (MSM) who are using the Internet to initiate sexual relationships is increasing. Research suggests these men might have a higher likelihood of participation in high-risk sexual activities that might place them at greater risk for transmission of sexually-transmitted infections, including HIV. Although a few research studies have assessed higher risk behaviors among this population, studies have not typically focused on safer sex practices. This article presents findings from an original research study designed to assess both high-risk and safer-sex requests among MSM within a sample from Florida (n = 483) who use a popular Internet social networking site to initiate sexual relationships. Although the findings indicated a majority of MSM did not specifically request safe sex only within their profiles, its prevalence was higher in men with a reported negative HIV serostatus. This suggests some HIV-negative MSM are possibly participating in sexually-protective behaviors when using the Internet to meet sexual partners, which is an important consideration for healthcare providers when addressing HIV transmission and infection risks among clients.