Motivations for Online Relationship Seeking and HIV-Related Behaviors Among Adolescent Sexual Minority Men in the United States.

Among adolescent sexual minority men, 62% sought both dates and sex online while 38% sought dates only, with date-only seekers being significantly younger.

• Sample included 266 ASMM aged 13-18 years (Md = 17; 59% ASMM of color)
• 38% reported seeking dates only online, whereas 62% sought both dates/sex
• Date-only seekers were significantly younger than those seeking both dates/sex (p = .04)
• Data were drawn from three timepoints across a 12-month HIV prevention intervention in the U.S.

ASMM who sought both dates and sex online were significantly more likely to test for HIV than those seeking dates only.

• Association between seeking both dates/sex online and HIV testing was statistically significant (p = .04)
• Examined using logistic regression models
• Data collected across three timepoints of a 12-month intervention
• This finding suggests testing behavior aligns with the sexual nature of online relationship motivations

ASMM who sought both dates and sex online were significantly more likely to test for STIs than those seeking dates only.

• Association between seeking both dates/sex online and STI testing was statistically significant (p = .01)
• Examined using logistic regression models
• Finding held across the sample of 266 ASMM aged 13-18
• Both HIV and STI testing were more common among those with dual date/sex motivations

Hispanic ASMM were significantly more likely than non-Hispanic peers to engage in condomless sex when not using PrEP.

• Racial/ethnic difference in condomless sex without PrEP use was statistically significant (p = .001)
• Assessed via logistic regression examining racial/ethnic differences in associations between online relationship-seeking motivations and HIV-related behaviors
• Condomless sex without PrEP use was the outcome variable of interest for HIV risk behavior
• Finding highlights specific HIV risk disparities among Hispanic ASMM

Hispanic ASMM were significantly less likely than non-Hispanic peers to test for HIV.

• Racial/ethnic difference in HIV testing was statistically significant (p = .02)
• Examined using logistic regression with racial/ethnic group as a moderating variable
• This disparity occurred alongside higher rates of condomless sex without PrEP in the same group
• Findings together suggest compounded HIV risk vulnerability among Hispanic ASMM

The study assessed PrEP interest as one of three primary HIV-related behavioral outcomes alongside HIV/STI testing and condomless sex without PrEP.

• Three outcome variables were examined: HIV/STI testing, condomless sex without using PrEP, and PrEP interest
• Logistic regressions were used to examine associations between online relationship-seeking motivations and each outcome
• Study drew data from three timepoints of a 12-month HIV prevention intervention
• Specific findings regarding PrEP interest were not highlighted as statistically significant in the abstract

The authors conclude that tailored relationship and sexual health programs are particularly needed for Hispanic and younger ASMM who more often seek dates only online.

• Younger ASMM were disproportionately represented among the date-only seeking group
• Hispanic ASMM demonstrated both higher HIV risk behavior and lower testing rates
• Prior research had primarily compared ASMM who seek partners online versus those who do not, overlooking heterogeneity in dating motivations
• The findings highlight heterogeneity within the ASMM population that has been previously overlooked