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Could social media be used to curb STD rates?

Category: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV are serious business and, if left untreated, can cause serious problems such as infertility or even death. Unfortunately, many people may not even know that they have an STD until it has already progressed. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one out of every five people with HIV is unaware that they have the virus​, underscoring the importance of regular testing. While increased testing is one way to help curb the rate of STDs and HIV among high-risk populations, recent research suggests that social networking technologies may also help.

Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles recently set out to determine how Facebook and other social media tools could be used to help reduce STDs and HIV in high-risk populations.

Combating infections with the internet
While anyone who practices unprotected sex has a chance of contracting an STD or HIV, some populations have been found to have a higher risk of ending up with one of these infections than others. For example, African-American and Latino men who have sex with men often contract HIV and STDs at a higher rate than other demographics. The UCLA scientists set out to determine if using social media to reach out to these populations would be an effective way to reduce the spread of HIV and STDs.

The researcher recruited individuals for their study by putting banner ads on Facebook, MySpace and Craigslist. They also posted ads for the study in venues such as bars, schools, gyms and community organizations in Los Angeles.

The scientists ended up with more than 100 participants, the majority of whom were African-American or Latino. They assigned each person in the study to one of three Facebook groups that was either about general health, HIV-prevention or a secret HIV-prevention group that could not be accessed or searched for by non-group members.

The researchers discovered that participants responded very positively to the HIV-prevention groups and were openly discussing important topics such as STD testing, stigma and advocacy.

"Researchers, policymakers and public health professionals are hoping that social media can be used as a tool for improving health research and solving health and HIV prevention-related issues," said principal investigator Sean Young "This study helps direct us toward that goal by suggesting that participants will use social media to learn about HIV prevention and that those who talk about HIV prevention over social networking groups are not just talking about it - they are acting on their words by getting an HIV test."

The scientists added that these findings should encourage more HIV advocates to utilize social medial tools, since high-risk populations clearly feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics on these forums. The internet allows for anonymity, which is important when talking about sensitive subjects that people may not even want to mention to their close friends, family members or doctors. Furthermore, the researchers noted that social media use continues to grow among the high-risk populations examined in the study.

Testing is key
As the scientists stated, the goal of HIV-prevention groups is not only to encourage people to practice safer sex, but also to regularly get tested for STDs and HIV to ensure that they are not unknowingly spreading an infection to others.

Sexually active individuals should get tested for STDs whenever they have a new sexual partner, but should go more often if they have multiple partners and do not always use protection.