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Abstract
Internet chatroom focus groups assessing sexual health issues of MSM sex workers
J K Williams, G E Wyatt
UCLA-Neuropsychiatric Institute, Los Angeles, United States
Background: Little information is known about sexual and drug risk behaviors of men who have sex with men sex workers (MSMSW) and how to recruit them through the Internet. The purpose of this study is to: (1) identify the health care needs of MSMSW using the Internet to solicit clientele; and (2) define a methodology to recruit and interview MSMSW.
Methods: Three America Online (AOL) focus groups were conducted in Los Angeles-based MSM Escort chatrooms through posting messages, instant messaging (IMs), and e-mails.
Results: Seventy-eight MSMSW, 45 European Americans, 15 Latinos, 10 African Americans and 8 Asians, responded to five questions focusing on HIV infection, condom use and motivators for unprotected sex. IMs were the most common form of Internet communication (50%), followed by posted messages (42%). Fifty-one percent (n=40) identified "STDs," 45% (n=35) identified AIDS and 10% (n=8) identified hepatitis and syphilis as health risks, while 41% (n=32) stated HIV/AIDS was "not a problem." Drugs and alcohol were not identified as health issues, although 53% (n=41) admitted to using alcohol, 38% (n=30) to using ecstasy and 24% (n=19) to using crystal methamphetamine at least once a week. Money and physical appearance of clients influenced higher risk behaviors among 71% (n=55) and 54% (n=42), respectively, while performing fellatio was perceived by 50% (n=39) to be "low risk." Only three participants stated that multiple sex partners was a risk factor for HIV/STIs. Advertisements in chatrooms, webpages and local gay magazines were identified by 62% (n=48) as the best recruiting method for MSMSW.
Conclusions: Results helped refine Internet recruitment and methodological strategies needed for future studies and emphasized common high-risk misconceptions of HIV/STIs. Future research will include epidemiological studies of risk behaviors among different Internet using ethnic MSMSW to reduce HIV/STI transmission before developing on-line interventions.
The XV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
WePeC6187
Suggested Citation
"J K Williams, et al.
Internet chatroom focus groups assessing sexual health issues of MSM sex workers.
Poster Exhibition:
The XV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
WePeC6187"
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