Developing a model of dating for young adult women living with HIV
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Developing a model of dating for young adult women living with HIV
IRAS ID
294793
Contact name
Cleo Fabian
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Royal Holloway University of London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 31 days
Research summary
Women living with HIV may find it difficult to form new sexual relationships due to anticipated stigma (anticipated prejudice and/or discrimination from others) and internalised negative beliefs about HIV (Earnshaw & Chaudoir, 2009; Evangeli & Wroe, 2017). These factors can negatively impact psychological wellbeing and long-term adjustment (Moss-Morris, 2013). Economic and health disadvantages (Conroy et al, 2016), gender-based violence and narratives in society about female sexuality and family-planning (Loos et al, 2012; Mackworth-Young et al, 2017; Ojikutu et al, 2016) can make dating difficult and contribute to different outcomes for women living with HIV, compared to men living with HIV.
Recent research found that antiretroviral medication can suppress people’s HIV viral loads so that HIV is undetectable in blood samples and cannot be transmitted. This is referred to as ‘undetectable=untransmittable’ or ‘U=U’ (Rodger et al, 2016, 2019). There are mixed findings on how U=U impacts dating and sexual activity, and it can make it difficult to decide whether to share information about one’s HIV status with partners, as there is no risk of transmission (Huntingdon et al, 2020). Similarly, online dating and dating-apps have changed the way individuals meet partners. Individuals can edit the information they share online, giving them a greater sense of control over interactions compared to meeting potential partners in person, potentially reducing anxiety.
Investigating women living with HIV’s dating experiences in this modern era could guide interventions and promote wellbeing. Ten women living with HIV will be invited to participate in interviews to understand decision-making processes and approaches towards dating for women living with HIV. Additionally, to explore how U=U and dating apps may influence dating for women living with HIV, and how dating impacts their quality of life.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/LO/0434
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jul 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion