Online Social Networking Technologies, HIV Knowledge, and Sexual Risk and Testing Behaviors Among Homeless Youth |
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Authors: | Sean D Young Eric Rice |
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Institution: | (1) Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA;(2) School of Social Work, USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA |
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Abstract: | This study evaluates associations between online social networking and sexual health behaviors among homeless youth in Los
Angeles. We analyzed survey data from 201 homeless youth accessing services at a Los Angeles agency. Multivariate (regression
and logistic) models assessed whether use of (and topics discussed on) online social networking technologies affect HIV knowledge,
sexual risk behaviors, and testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). One set of results suggests that using online
social networks for partner seeking (compared to not using the networks for seeking partners) is associated with increased
sexual risk behaviors. Supporting data suggest that (1) using online social networks to talk about safe sex is associated
with an increased likelihood of having met a recent sex partner online, and (2) having online sex partners and talking to
friends on online social networks about drugs and partying is associated with increased exchange sex. However, results also
suggest that online social network usage is associated with increased knowledge and HIV/STI prevention among homeless youth:
(1) using online social networks to talk about love and safe sex is associated with increased knowledge about HIV, (2) using
the networks to talk about love is associated with decreased exchange sex, and (3) merely being a member of an online social
network is associated with increased likelihood of having previously tested for STIs. Taken together, this study suggests
that online social networking and the topics discussed on these networks can potentially increase and decrease sexual risk
behaviors depending on how the networks are used. Developing sexual health services and interventions on online social networks
could reduce sexual risk behaviors. |
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