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Correlates of internet use to meet sex partners among men
who have sex with men diagnosed with early syphilis in Los Angeles County.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases 2004;31(9):552-556.
Taylor M, Anyalem G, Smith L, Bemis C, Kenney K, Kerndt P.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate use of the Internet
to solicit sex partners by men who have sex with men (MSM) who were diagnosed
with early syphilis infection. STUDY: Field interview records for syphilis
patients were reviewed for factors associated with Internet use. RESULTS:
Internet users were more likely to be of white race (prevalence ratio [PR],
1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-1.8), to report anal insertive sex
(PR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.1-1.2), sex with anonymous partners (PR, 1.2; 95% CI,
1.1-1.3), intravenous drug use (PR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.1-6.7), and nonintravenous
drug use (PR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.8). Controlling for race and sexual risk
behaviors, white race (odds ratio [OR], 2.8; 95% CI, 1.8-4.6), having anonymous
sex partners (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.6-7.0), and nonintravenous drug use (OR,
1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.6) were associated with meeting sex partners through the
Internet. CONCLUSIONS: Effective sexually transmitted disease risk reduction
interventions using the Internet are needed to reach Internet-using, sex-seeking
MSM populations engaging in high-risk behaviors.