Awareness of and Intention to Use an Online Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infection Testing Service Among Gay and Bisexual Men in British Columbia, Two Years After Implementation
Date
2020
Authors
Dulai, Joshun
Salway, Travis
Thomson, Kimberly
Haag, Devon
Lachowsky, Nathan J.
Grace, Daniel
Edward, Joshua
Grennan, Troy
Trussler, Terry
Gilbert, Mark
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Canadian Journal of Public Health
Abstract
Objectives This study assessed gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men’s (GBMSM) awareness of and intention to
use GetCheckedOnline, an online sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) testing service.
Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted two years after launch among GBMSM > 18 years of age in British Columbia,
Canada. Participants were recruited through community venues, clinics, websites, and apps.
Results Of 1272 participants, 32% were aware of GetCheckedOnline. Gay identity, regularly testing at an STBBI clinic, being out to
one’s healthcare provider, attending GBMSM community venues, and frequent social media use were associated with awareness.
Among participants who were aware but had not used GetCheckedOnline, knowing GetCheckedOnline users, using social media, not
knowing where else to test, and not wanting to see a doctor were associated with intention to use GetCheckedOnline.
Conclusion Early promotion of GetCheckedOnline resulted in greater awareness among those connected to GBMSM.
Description
Keywords
Men who have sex with men, Gay and bisexual men, Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection testing, Online sexual health services
Citation
Dulai, J., Salway, T., Thomson, K., Haag, D., Lachowsky, N., Grace, D., Edward, J., Grennan, T., Trussler, T., & Gilbert, M. (2020). “Awareness of and Intention to Use an Online Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infection Testing Service Among Gay and Bisexual Men in British Columbia, Two Years After Implementation.” Canadian Journal of Public Health, 112, 78-88. https://doi.org/10.17269/s41997- 020-00323-4