Australian Herpes Management Forum

News: Online survey helps determine those likely to have herpes

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36 per cent of survey participants found to be at high risk of contracting the virus

The Australian Herpes Management Forum (AHMF) released the interim results of an online survey at the Australasian Sexual Health Conference this week. The online survey was launched last year to assess if a person is at risk of having genital herpes. The survey helps determine if a person has been exposed or is at risk of being exposed to genital herpes.

The findings shed new light on the risk of acquiring an infection that is rapidly becoming one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the world. Genital herpes is the second most common STI in Australia amongst those 18 and over.

The results reaffirm that women are at greater risk of acquiring the virus than men. However, the survey results indicate that men are more likely than women to have had sex with someone they knew had herpes.

The AHMF launched the survey on National Herpes Awareness Day last year and to date it has been completed by more than 2,400 people. Fifty-two per cent of those who took part in the survey were male and 48 per cent female. Eighteen per cent were classified as low risk for genital herpes, 46 per cent as medium risk and 36 per cent as high risk.

The web-based genital herpes risk assessment survey was developed on epidemiological data derived from a national Australian population-based survey and other epidemiological studies and consisted of 16 questions, each with a numerical weighting. The weighting was based on a number of factors including age, gender, sexual history, condom use and symptoms suggestive of herpes. Scores were added up and individuals allocated risk score of low, medium or high.

Chair of the AH MF, Professor Adrian Mindel, (who is also Professor of Sexual Health Medicine, University of Sydney and Director of the Sexually Transmitted Infections Research Centre at Westmead Hospital), said: “On-line risk surveys are a useful way for individuals to determine their risk of genital herpes. Similar tools should be developed for other STIs because they’re an easy way for individuals to assess their own behaviours and find out if they are at risk and if they should seek help from a medical professional.”

“This survey shows that many people in Australia are at medium or high risk of acquiring genital herpes and that women are at a greater risk than men., It is important for those who are sexually active and have multiple partners to think about their sexual health and be tested for genital herpes.”

To complete the survey, go to the AH MF website: www.ahmf.com.au

15 Sep 2007

Related page:
Risk assessment survey