Metrics details. Electronic health eHealth interventions are promising in HIV and sexually transmitted infections STIs prevention among men who have sex with men MSM , given a high rate of the Internet use in this population. FGDs were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis was used to determine themes. They perceived a lack of reliable online sources, a high need, and interest for an online intervention. Concerns about the need to trust the organization behind the online information and interventions, and the importance of confidentiality when participating in online interventions were raised.
The importance of establishing trust within the MSM community as a reliable source of information was emphasized, as well as the importance of confidentiality. Peer Review reports.
Causes of HIV transmission among MSM have been well documented, such as sexual risk behaviors including unprotected sexual intercourses and multiple sex partners, as well as a high frequency of substance use and abuse [ 2 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Consequently, they receive delayed care, which threatens their health and accelerates HIV progression [ 16 , 17 ].
However, the rates of sexual risk behaviors in this population are significantly high. Another survey indicated that Various face-to-face behavioral interventions have been developed among MSM to diminish the burden of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections STIs [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. However, these interventions faced challenges in maintaining their sustainability such as scarcity of resources, the stigma around homosexuality practices, limited MSM-advocacy and community organizations and insufficient MSM-oriented health professionals [ 29 , 30 , 31 ], requiring innovative solutions to address these issues.
The rapid expansion of Internet and mobile technology access raises a new approach so-called electronic health eHealth interventions, which can address the weaknesses of traditional interventions in HIV prevention, treatment, and care [ 25 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ]. Moreover, MSM can easily connect with their community, MSM-friendly organizations or qualified health professionals by distance via chatrooms, social network applications or text messages [ 38 , 39 ].
