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Awareness of and intention to use an online sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection service among gay and bisexual men in British Columbia, two years after implementation

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Research theme(s)
Internet Based Testing

Joshun Dulai, Travis Salway, Kimberly Thomson, Devon Haag, Nathan Lachowsky, Daniel Grace, Joshua Edward, Troy Grennan, Terry Trussler, Mark Gilbert.

Canadian Journal of Public Health, 2021; 112(1): 78-88.

Objectives: This study assessed gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men’s (GBMSM) awareness of and intention to use GetCheckedOnline, an online sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) testing service.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted two years after launch among GBMSM > 18 years of age in British Columbia, Canada. Participants were recruited through community venues, clinics, websites, and apps.

Results: Of 1272 participants, 32% were aware of GetCheckedOnline. Gay identity, regularly testing at an STBBI clinic, being out to one’s healthcare provider, attending GBMSM community venues, and frequent social media use were associated with awareness. Among participants who were aware but had not used GetCheckedOnline, knowing GetCheckedOnline users, using social media, not knowing where else to test, and not wanting to see a doctor were associated with intention to use GetCheckedOnline.

Conclusion: Early promotion of GetCheckedOnline resulted in greater awareness among those connected to GBMSM.