Abstract

Research supports risky sexual behaviors are especially pervasive traits in high risk groups such as gay and bisexual men; and despite representing a mere 12% of the total LGBTQ population, Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) are at highest risk for transmitting and contracting HIV and other non-HIV sexually transmitted diseases. Even knowing this, the disparity of research coverage of BMSM compared to White MSM is staggering. Recent research has indicated MSM are at even greater risk than before since the advent of mobile dating apps. Online partnering via mobile apps has been linked to overlapping sexual partner networks and outcomes such as greater numbers of sexual partners and a higher likelihood of practicing unprotected anal sex. As such, this study aimed to investigate how BMSM's sexual sensation seeking behaviors may be influenced by use of mobile dating apps and PrEP, as well as provide indication of BMSM attitudes related to sexual partner networks and their role as a risk factor. The study uses primary data collection via an online survey tool and univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis techniques were employed to analyze the collected data. Results revealed there is not a difference in sexual sensation seeking behaviors based on the number of mobile dating apps used, and that PrEP use and PrEP knowledge do not have an independent influence on sexual sensation seeking behaviors. However, there is a statistically significant influence on BMSM SSS by confirmed PrEP use and an average understanding of PrEP. Qualitative results expanded current research understanding of why BMSM utilize mobile dating apps as well as BMSM sexual partner networks and how they influence BMSM sexual sensation seeking habits.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2020

Semester

Fall

Advisor

Hou, Su-I

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Community Innovation and Education

Department

School of Public Administration

Degree Program

Public Affairs; Health Services Management and Research

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0008399; DP0023836

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0023836

Language

English

Release Date

December 2020

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

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Health Policy Commons

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