The Use of Mobile Hookup Applications and Websites for Finding Sex Partners and the Risky Sexual Behaviors Associated

Background: Previous studies show that mobile application use to find sex partners is becoming increasingly popular. Mobile application use can lead to individuals practicing risky sexual behaviors. Previous studies show that risky sexual behaviors can lead to an increase in STI (sexually transmitted infections). Methods: This study is a program evaluation of the Kent County Health Department – Personal Health Services Division. The study was done to understand mobile application and website use for finding sex partners among individuals who get tested and request services from the health department. Risky sexual behaviors were also looked at among participants. The clinic intake form that is completed by all patients prior to testing was used to collect data. 400 intake forms were collected, coded, and analyzed. Descriptive statistics and other data analysis were conducted using SPSS. Results: The sample consists of 398 men (57.18%) and women (42.8%). While the mobile application usage was low among the sample (16%), there were many significant relationships among mobile application use and risky sexual behaviors. Results also showed low condom use among the population, which warrants the need for an additional program to be implemented. Conclusions: Many risky sexual behaviors were associated with mobile application use. Results will assist Kent County Health Department in adopting programs that address these risky sexual behaviors, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention campaign “Start Talking. Stop HIV.”, which seeks to reduce new HIV infections by encouraging communication between sex partners on condom use