What do young men chat about HIV/AIDS online?

College

College of Liberal Arts

Document Type

Article

Source Title

Asia-Pacific E-Journal of Health Social Science

Volume

2

Issue

2

Publication Date

12-2013

Abstract

Due to their widespread popularity and use among young Filipino men, Internet-based sites, such as online forums, are potential sources of information and support on HIV/AIDS. Alternative sources are needed because of rising numbers of HIV infections among sexually active young men. Towards knowing how online forums can be used for HIV/AIDS education and prevention, a netnographic study was carried out. The study examined the contents of online discussions on HIV/AIDS among members of Pinoy Exchange for five months, January-May, in 2012. Six categories of topics were identified from online forum postings but the three most predominant topics were sexual modes of transmission and prevention; symptoms and HIV status; and screening and HIV status. In each of these three topics, members were found to have discussed a range of specific concerns and issues. Overall, the knowledge shared and discussed online revolved around cognitions, behaviors and vulnerability related to HIV/AIDS. Among online members, there is a need to sustain their accurate information and appropriate sexual behavior and to modify those that are not conducive to their adoption of safer sex practices. The culture of the online forum can be transformed so that it becomes supportive of the goal of HIV/AIDS education and prevention to stem the burgeoning cases of HIV infection among young men.

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Disciplines

Health Information Technology

Keywords

HIV infections—Electronic discussion groups; AIDS (Disease)—Electronic discussion groups

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