Introduction: The use of dating apps is rising globally. Its impact on the sexual health of their users must be established. This study aims to determine the documented state of the art about the prevalence, risk factors, and prevention strategies of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in dating app users. Moreover, it aims to identify the prevalence on their use and sociodemo¬graphic characteristics of their users.
Materials and methods: A scoping review was carried out using the PubMed and Lilacs databa¬ses with the descriptors: ‘Dating Apps’, ‘Sexually Transmitted Infections’ and ‘Sexual Conduct’.
Results: 18 articles reported a wide range of prevalence in the use of dating applications from 12,9% to 75%, mainly young people (18 - 25 years) and in men who have sex with men. The most reported STIs were chlamydia ranging between 0,3% and 7,6%, HIV between 3,9% and 56,9%, syphilis between 3,1% and 17,4% , gonorrhea between 1% and 18% and VPH between 0,9% and 17,4%. The predominant risk factors were inconsistent or no use of condom, and a greater number of sexual partners. Documented strategies have increased knowledge of STIs and their diagnostic tests.
Discussion: The prevalence of STIs in users is variable, linked to the low use of condoms and a larger number of sexual partners among them. However, homogeneous studies are needed to determine if applications have a negative impact on the sexual health of their users.
Keywords:
Sexually Transmitted Infections, Mobile Applications, Sexual Behavior, Sexual Health, Dating apps
Concha-Mella, C. ., & Carrasco-Parra, A. . (2022). Sexually transmitted infections and prevention strategies in dating appli¬cation users. A Scoping Review. Revista Chilena De Salud Pública, 26(1), p. 22–33. https://doi.org/10.5354/0719-5281.2022.69148
