AHMF launches online patient perspective study of genital herpes treatments
The Australian Herpes Management Forum (AHMF) is calling for healthcare professionals to identify patients who have been diagnosed with and treated for genital herpes to participate in an online patient perspective study of herpes management and treatment.
The Genital Herpes Patient Perspectives Survey has been designed to gather information from individuals who have clinically apparent genital herpes. All respondents will be asked questions about their diagnosis and treatment experiences, particularly about treatment options such as intermittent and suppressive therapy.
According to Adrian Mindel, Professor of Sexual Health Medicine at the University of Sydney, Chair of the AHMF and Director of the Sexually Transmitted Infections Research Centre (STIRC), Westmead Hospital, Sydney, the online survey should improve healthcare professionals’ understanding of patients’ perspectives on the most effective form of treatment for genital herpes.
“Gathering Australian-specific information about the treatment of genital herpes should provide the healthcare community with valuable insights into management of the virus from a patient’s point-of-view.
Conducting a national survey online allows patients from all walks of life to participate and to have their say about how they have been managed and their thoughts on herpes treatments.
In addition, we anticipate the survey will provide the most accurate snapshot of patient perspectives on the management of genital herpes in Australia to date,” said Professor Mindel.
Recent research has revealed that internet-based health initiatives, including those for genital herpes, may en-courage responses from those who would not otherwise participate in such studies.3 Evidence also suggests that people living with “stigmatised illnesses”, including genital herpes, are more likely to use the internet to obtain health-related information than those with non-stigmatised conditions.2
An internet-based risk survey conducted by the STIRC and the AHMF in 2006 – 2007 revealed that 51 per cent of the 4,954 survey participants were at “medium” risk of contracting the HSV-2 virus,3 while 34 per cent were at “high” risk.3
Australia’s only national seroprevalence study showed that 12 per cent of people over the age of 25 are carrying the HSV-2 virus.1 Given the high prevalence of HSV-2 in Australia,1 GPs are encouraged to refer suitable patients to the AHMF online survey, in order to develop more effective, patient-friendly management and treatment options for the virus.
Patients can participate in the Genital Herpes Patient Perspectives Survey by visiting ahmf.com.au/herpes-treatment-survey from June 1, 2009.
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For more information, please contact Kirsten Bruce or Michaela Patton from VIVA! Communications on 02 9884 9011 or 0401 717 566 / 0423 877 748.
References
- Cunningham AL, Taylor R, Taylor J, Marks C, Shaw J, Mindel A. Prevalence of infection with herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in Australia: a nationwide population based survey. Sex Transm Infect 2006; 82: 164-168.
- Berger M, Wagner TH, Baker LC. Internet use and stigmatised illness. Social Science & Medicine 2005; 61: 1821-1827.
- Mindel A, McHugh L, Christie E, Chung C, Berger T and the AHMF. Genital Herpes – An internet-based risk survey. Int J STD AIDS 2009 (In press).
