Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study. Data were collected from the public online question/answer counseling website that was operated by the Gyeonggi-do branch of Korean Association for AIDS Prevention. Data on users’ queries regarding HIV/AIDS were collected between January 1, 2017 and October 31, 2018. The questions were analyzed into categories based on the contents.
Results: Using the 510 questions, six major categories related to HIV/AIDS were identified: (1) HIV testing, (2) self-perceived HIV risk and transmission, (3) risky sexual behaviors, (4) negative and positive emotional status, (5) treatment, and (6) prevention. A high number of questions was related to HIV testing, including the reliability of test (OraQuick rapid test, blood-based antibody rapid testing), anonymous testing, timing of tests and window periods, and HIV seroconversion. Users were seeking out information on HIV testing and confirming their knowledge on them as well. Some users asked about the cost and long-term side effects of HIV treatment and the use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). Users were also seeking counseling due to feelings of fear or anxiety related to the positive test outcome or possibility of HIV/AIDS infection while waiting for test results. Furthermore, users also sought counseling for experiencing an enormous sense of relief when the test results came back negative.
Conclusions: This study indicates that people at high risk for HIV/AIDS visit online site for professional advice on HIV/AIDS-related issues. This study implies that HIV/AIDS information should address detailed concerns, and can be disseminated further through raising public awareness of HIV/AIDS. It is evident that online counseling could be utilized to provide tailored information related to HIV/AIDS, emotional and psychosocial support to people, with the potential to reach different subgroups. It can also be used as a platform to recommend HIV testing and provide current information such as the use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.