An Exploratory Study Investigating the Correlates of Sexual Health Anxiety and Preferences for Digital Services Amongst Internet Users

Abstract

Background: Sexual health clinics are under increasing pressure because of the demand for sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening services. Sexual health anxiety has been associated with increased clinic attendance and repeat screening. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the level of sexual health anxiety and its correlates in adults in England and their opinions on digital sexual health services. Setting and Design: An online cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2019 and January 2020 among internet users living in England aged 18 years and older. Methods: Participants were recruited from advertisements on social media (eg, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Reddit), and data were collected via an online Qualtrics survey. Statistical Analysis: Multiple regression analyses were used to identify correlates of sexual health anxiety. Results: One-hundred and thirty-eight participants completed the survey (mean age = 29.25, SD = 11.29; 51% male, 81% White, and 56% educated to the degree level). Average sexual health anxiety was mild ( M = 2.19, SD = .79), and the average subscale values ranged from 1.88 (SD = .92) to 2.67 (SD = 1.25). Higher sexual health anxiety was predicted by a higher frequency of obsessive-compulsive behavior and a greater risk perception of STIs. There were some overlaps between the predictors of subtypes, but further research is needed. Conclusion: Despite the levels of sexual health anxiety in the sample, the acceptability of digital sexual health services was high, but preferences leaned heavily toward face-to-face and in-person interaction.