Objective:
To identify the characteristics of men who have sex with men (MSM),
diagnosed with syphilis infection that had initiated sexual encounter
through the Internet during the period when syphilis infection likely
occurred.
Methods:
Associations of Internet use and demographic and behavioral characteristics
were assessed using Chi-square (X2) statistics for categorical
variables. Using logistic regression analysis, independent predictors of
Internet use and the odds of initiating sexual contact through the Internet
were calculated. The most frequent Internet sites used by MSM in Los Angeles
were also documented.
Results:
Overall 22% (n=132) of 587 MSM who were
diagnosed with early syphilis infection met their sexual partner through the
Internet of which 67% were HIV infected. Compared to those who do not use
Internet to met their sexual partners, those who meet their sexual partners
through the Internet were 1.23 times more likely to be HIV infected, 3.49
time more likely to have anonymous sex, 2.04 times more likely to use
injection drugs. In a multivariate logistic regression model analysis, the
only variables that were significantly associated with and independent
predictors of meeting sex partners through the Internet were being White
(OR=4.34, 95% CI 1.99-9.47) and HIV infected (OR=1.83, 95% CI 1.20-2.80).
Conclusions:
The Internet is becoming an important emerging venue for STD/HIV epidemics.
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