HIV most prevalent in Gravesend, Dartford, Medway, Ashford and Thanet according to Canterbury Christ Church study

Outdated attitudes are contributing to a rise in cases of HIV across Kent, according to a new study.

More people are diagnosed with HIV each year across the county, with half of people testing positive in the later stages of the disease.

Doctors are concerned as late diagnosis means sufferers are more likely to pass the disease on and have less chance of long-term survival.

Dr Stephen O’Connor from Canterbury Christ Church University said: “The variety of people affected by HIV has changed dramatically since the virus first appeared.

“More heterosexuals were diagnosed with HIV in Kent than men who have sex with men.

“More worrying is the fact that heterosexuals, both male and female, are more likely to be diagnosed later with HIV than members of the better informed gay community, often because they, and many healthcare professionals, still associate HIV with gay men, intravenous drug users and sex workers.

“The study showed that GPs often fail to consider HIV as a possible cause for HIV related health problems and positively discourage some from having an HIV test at the appropriate time because of these outdated and misinformed assumptions.”

Dr O’Connor’s study is part of a European-funded project investigating HIV prevalence and late diagnosis.

To read the full article on Kent Online, visit:  HIV most prevalent in Gravesend, Dartford, Medway, Ashford and Thanet according to Canterbury Christ Church study.