Alternative sexuality, sexual orientation and mobile technology: findings from the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom technology and health enhancement feasibility study

ABSTRACT

The alternative sexuality and sexual orientation minority (SM) communities are at risk for numerous health disparities. However, there is a dearth of research exploring the potential receptivity of these communities to the use of mobile technology to promote health. The present study reports findings from a feasibility study comprising two aims: (1) describe health enhancement app usage among alternative sexuality community members, as well as variation by sexual orientation status and (2) assess the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in understanding factors influencing health enhancement app usage. An online cross-sectional survey of the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF) members (N = 332) was conducted. Key findings include: (1) almost half of participants reported current mobile technology usage for health enhancement; (2) participants held positive beliefs concerning intention to use, perceived usefulness (PU) and ease of use (PEU) of mobile technology; (3) the TAM was appropriate to explain health enhancement app usage and (4) significant TAM-supported direct and indirect pathways predicting behavioural usage of mobile technology. Moderation results indicate TAM application may be more appropriate for SM participants. Findings suggest that there are perceived health benefits in the use of mobile technology by NCSF members. Recommendations for mobile technology development for NCSF and similar communities are provided.

KEYWORDS:

• Sexual orientation
• Technology Acceptance Model
• alterative sexuality
• mobile technology
• health

Disclosure statement

Authors declare no conflicts.

Data availability statement

The dataset associated with this study can be obtained by contacting Ms. Wright at NCSF at least 6 months after publication of this article.

Ethics

Ethics approval was obtained was a University institutional review board.

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Notes

1. The overall pool of listserv members does not count invalid email addresses. Further, the survey was advertised via additional streams such as NCSF’s social media accounts. However, it is likely that listserv members may also be social media followers. As such, it is impossible to tabulate an accurate response rate.

Additional information

Funding

No funding was obtained for this study.

Notes on contributors

Robert J. Cramer

Robert J. Cramer, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor & Belk Distinguished Scholar of Health Research in the Department of Public Health Sciences at UNC Charlotte.

Susan Wright

Susan Wright, MA is Spokesperson of the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom.

Corrine N. Wilsey

Corrine N. Wilsey, Me.d. is a Ph.D. candidate in health services research at Old Dominion University.

Andrea R. Kaniuka

Andrea R. Kaniuka, MA is a Ph.D. student in public health sciences at UNC Charlotte.

Jessamyn Bowling

Jessamyn Bowling, Ph.D., MPH is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at UNC Charlotte.

Tianca Crocker

Tianca Crocker, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at UNC Charlotte.

Jennifer Langhinrichsen-Rohling

Jennifer Langhinrichsen-Rohling is a Professor in the Department of Psychological Science & Health Psychology at UNC Charlotte.

Erika Montanaro

Erika Montanaro, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Science at UNC Charlotte.

Annelise Mennicke

Annelise Mennicke, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at UNC Charlotte.

Kristin E. Heron

Kristin E. Heron, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Old Dominion University.