Patient Portals as Highly Acceptable Tools to Support HIV Preventative Behaviors Among Adolescent and Young Sexual Minority Men

J Adolesc Health. 2020 Aug;67(2):278-281. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.03.029. Epub 2020 May 6.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to present perceptions about using patient portals to manage HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) test results and to communicate with sexual partners among a 2018 nationwide sample of adolescent and young sexual minority men (YSMM) aged 15-25 years.

Methods: Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted on cross-sectional online survey data.

Results: Participants gave high or moderate value to portals that provide tips for sexual health (95.1% [1,168/1,228]), ability to locate HIV/STI testing centers (96.9% [1,190/1,228]), and ability to order home-based HIV/STI testing (96% [1,179/1,228]). Perceived health engagement and dyadic communication benefits of use were sustained at or above 94%. YSMM with a history of HIV/STI diagnosis were less willing to share online results with main (93% vs. 97%; Χ2 = 5.13; p = .02) and nonmain (70% vs. 77%; Χ2 = 5.17; p = .02) sexual partners.

Conclusions: Patient portals represent highly acceptable spaces to deliver comprehensive sexual health services and could support communication on HIV/STI testing with sex partners among YSMM.

Keywords: HIV; Health IT; Sexual minority men (SMM); Sexually transmitted infections (STIs); Youth.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • HIV Infections* / prevention & control
  • Homosexuality, Male
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Portals*
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sexual Partners
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases* / prevention & control