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Use of the location-based social networking application GRINDR as a recruitment tool in rectal microbicide
Earl R Burrell1, Heather A Pines, Edward Robbie
1Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California-Los Angeles, 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, 41-295 Center for Health Sciences, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, USA. earl.burrell@ucla.edu
Abstract:
Mobile phone social networking applications such as GRINDR are potential tools for recruitment of men who have sex with men (MSM) for HIV prevention research. Demographics and sexual risk behaviors of men recruited through GRINDR and through traditional media were compared. GRINDR participants were younger (mean age 31 vs. 42, p < 0.0001), more White identified (44 vs. 30 %, p < 0.01), and had more sex partners in the previous 14 days (1.88 vs. 1.10, p < 0.05) than other recruits. Email responses were less successful for enrollment than phone calls (5 vs. 50 %). This approach resulted in successful recruitment of younger and more educated, White identified MSM.
Insights
Mobile social networking apps like GRINDR can effectively recruit men who have sex with men (MSM) for HIV research. This method successfully engaged younger, White MSM with higher-risk behaviors compared to traditional recruitment.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Social Sciences
Background:
- Mobile social networking applications offer novel avenues for participant recruitment in health research.
- Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a key population for HIV prevention research.
- Traditional recruitment methods may not effectively reach all segments of the MSM population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the demographics and sexual risk behaviors of MSM recruited via GRINDR versus traditional media.
- To evaluate the efficacy of mobile social networking applications for HIV prevention research recruitment.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study design was employed.
- Participants were recruited through GRINDR and traditional media channels.
- Demographic data and sexual risk behaviors (e.g., number of sex partners) were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- GRINDR participants were significantly younger (mean age 31 vs. 42) and more likely to identify as White (44% vs. 30%) compared to those recruited through traditional media.
- GRINDR recruits reported a higher number of sex partners in the preceding 14 days (1.88 vs. 1.10).
- Email responses were less effective for enrollment (5%) than phone calls (50%).
Conclusions:
- Mobile social networking applications, such as GRINDR, are effective tools for recruiting younger, more educated, and White MSM for HIV prevention research.
- This recruitment strategy may help reach specific subpopulations within the MSM community.
- Further research can explore optimizing recruitment strategies using digital platforms.
