Background: The LGBTQ+ community has remained a population of concern due to the rising rates of STIs among its members. Consistent and bi-annual sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing of at-risk populations is crucial for preventing both adverse health outcomes and the spread of infection. Testing rates among LGBTQ+ members remain low. This project utilizes a theory-based approach to increase the effectiveness of LGBTQ messages that promote biannual STI testing.
Methods: Six focus groups with twenty-one college-aged LGBTQ+ members were conducted. The focus groups were based on the Reasoned Action Approach and designed to assess participants' 1) exposure to sexual health messages and 2) attitudes, perceived norms, and perceived barriers and facilitators towards adopting a habit of getting an STI test once every six months if they are sexually active.
Results: Thematic analysis from the focus groups revealed several salient points. First, participants had little to no exposure to sexual health advertisements on social media in their day-to-day lives. Key themes that emerged include testing anxiety, a belief that testing is only needed after an event (e.g., unprotected sex or a hookup), that testing will strain romantic relations due to perceptions of cheating and mistrust, and, a perception that sexual health advertisements targeted to LBGTQ+ youth were often made by people who were not members of the LGBTQ+ community and, therefore, less trustworthy. These advertisements were often identified via their use of the rainbow flag or symbol.
Conclusion: Messaging that seeks to promote the protective behavior by getting an STI test every 6 months needs to address attitudinal beliefs and barriers, such as testing anxiety and the effects of testing on romantic relationships. Scholars should also assess the impact of the rainbow flag on message credibility. Part two of this project will assess and verify these conclusions.
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