A new study revealed how dating websites help the spread of the HIV virus. The research claimed that more than 60 percent of men who have sex with men (MSM) and have tested positive for the virus found partners through online sites.
According to Business Standard, the study of Brown University, The Miriam Hospital, and the Rhode Island Department of Health looked into new cases of HIV among gay and bisexual men. They reportedly met their partners in 2012 then were diagnosed with HIV a year after.
"This is a statewide study that included nearly all individuals newly diagnosed with HIV across an entire state," said Brown University professor Amy Nunn. The study, she added, found out that 74 residents in Rhode Island tested positive for HIV in 2013.
More than half of the number were MSM and 22 claimed that they could have gotten the virus from their partners whom they met online. With this, Nunn said that if dating websites aid to the spread of HIV, it can also help make people aware of the things they should do to avoid getting infected.
"This is one of the first studies to document how common Internet site use is among people newly diagnosed with HIV and highlights important opportunities to partner with hookup sites to advance public health," she claimed. The researcher also noted that the companies behind dating websites should tie up public health groups to spread awareness about HIV.
In addition, The Health Site reported that some of the most famous sites and mobile apps for dating include Craigslist, Grindr, Manhunt and Adam4Adam. Lead researcher Dr. Philip Chan mentioned that online hookups often lead to health issues but noted that it can also start lasting relationships.
The researchers claimed that this study does not aim to condemn MSM but to encourage partnerships in advising the public about the things they can do to avoid getting HIV. Another co-author, Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, added that this calls for cooperation and collaboration to educate the public about HIV.
