Internet Use Among People Living with HIV/AIDS: Coping and Health-Related Correlates

Abstract

People living with HIV/AIDS may experience health benefits from using the Internet for accessing health information as well as potential health hazards, including seeking sex partners online. This study examined how people with HIV/AIDS are using the Internet and how their Internet use may be associated with health behaviors. HIV-positive men (n = 347) and HIV-positive women (n = 72) who reported using the Internet were recruited from community services to complete an anonymous survey of their Internet use and associated factors. HIV-positive Internet users reported using the Internet for a wide range of purposes, with health related searches for information accounting for 1 of 3 Internet activities. People with greater income and more education were more likely to use the Internet for health functions. Health-related Internet use was related to a broader spectrum of health behaviors including HIV treatment adherence and health-related Internet use was associated with active coping strategies and indicators of better health. HIV-positive men and women are frequently using the Internet to access health-related information as well as for other nonhealth-related functions. Searching the Internet for health information can be conceptualized as an active coping strategy, occurring with other health-related behaviors and offering potential health benefits.