Stigmatizing and de-Stigmatizing Properties of Web Apps for Sexual Health-Related Conditions: A Scoping Review.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To review the literature that has examined stigma in relation to the design, impact, and ways web apps can alleviate or aggravate sexual health-related stigma. Methods: Six databases were searched and 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: While two studies were randomized controlled trials, most studies were descriptive or qualitative. Stigma may be alleviated in web apps through sharing stigma-related experiences, receiving emotional support, and providing anonymous virtual connections Yet, stigma may be aggravated by implied disclosure, inappropriate content, and stigma by association. Conlcusions While web apps were able to address stigma to some extent, some strategies employed inadvertently aggravated stigma.