Health-related Use of the Internet by Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) living with HIV (HIV+) in Canada

International audienceBackground: Research has demonstrated that a large percentage of Canadians regularly look for health-related information on the Internet and these uses can have an impact on the way they manage their health. Very little is known about such use among the MSM population, especially people living with HIV.Methods: Between July and December 2010, 928 MSM were recruited, using a pan-Canadian online survey. Statistical analysis (c2) comparing HIV negative MSM (N = 837) with those living with HIV (N = 91) revealed significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.05).Results: HIV+ MSM were significantly more numerous to look for health-related information on various topics (alternative treatments, medications and particular diseases) and on a more frequent basis. They were also more often concerned about specific health issues (cancer screening, hormone therapy, drug consumption, HIV prevention, sexual risk-taking, compulsive sexuality, STI screening and treatment, homophobia and serophobia). In a majority of cases, their primary source of information was a health professional from the public sector. They were more prone to use the Internet to communicate with a doctor or another health professional, to consult various types of websites (LGBT, MSM, HIV/AIDS community organizations and medical clinics) and to discuss with these professionals the information found on the Internet. They were more numerous to report being overwhelmed by information found online but they were reassured by its content which helped them to make appropriate decisions about their health. Most of them considered the websites as relevant; fewer felt that those websites helped them maintain a less risky sexuality. They tended to agree with statements suggesting that health-related topics discussed by online workers, during interactive activities, were relevant, useful, and easy to understand.Conclusion: HIV+ MSM have specific health issues and Internet has an impact on the way they manage their health. This research is consistent with results from studies on health-related use of the Internet by people with chronic diseases. This data can be useful for organizations offering health-related information for LGBT on their websites, especially for HIV+ individuals