Problematic online dating app use and its association with mental and sexual health outcomes in a sample of Men-having-Sex-with-Men

Background and aims: Online dating applications (ODAs) are gaining popularity, raising concerns about their potential addictive effects on users' health. The main objective of this study was to investigate the association between problematic ODA use and mental health, substance use, and sexual behavior outcomes in men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM). To achieve this, we first validated a German version of the Problematic ODA Use Scale (PODAUS), which assesses problematic ODA usage patterns. Methods: Problematic ODA use was assessed in 226 HIV-negative MSM counseling for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis at baseline and 6-month follow-up (n = 164, Mage = 42, SD = 11). The German PODAUS was validated using confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) and correlational analysis. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to investigate associations of PODAUS with mental, sexual health, and substance use outcomes. Results: CFA supported PODAUS' 6-item unidimensional structure, demonstrating excellent fit indices. Reliability analyses indicated good internal consistency (α = 0.79) and high test-retest reliability (rs = 0.68). Regarding mental health, significant positive associations were found between PODAUS and symptoms of depression, loneliness, anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and impulsivity, with medium to large effect sizes. Regarding sexual health, significant negative associations of small to medium effect sizes were found between PODAUS and lifetime prevalence of sexually transmitted infections, body acceptance, and sexual fulfillment, while a significant positive association with trait sex motivation occurred. Discussion and conclusion: The German version of PODAUS emerges as a valid, reliable tool to assess problematic ODA use. In an MSM sample, problematic ODA use was associated with lower mental and sexual health.