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Software Checking Risque Behavior

Techtree News Staff, Dec 19, 2007 1830 hrs IST

The researchers have worked for over five years to create computer programs that can calculate the risk undertaken by high risk groups.

This month, a couple of US researchers will initiate clinical trials for a new, Web-based software program that attempts to reduce risk-taking behavior associated with spread of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. The research team from the University of Minnesota is led by Joseph Konstan, Professor in Computer Science and Engineering, and B R Simon Rosser, Professor in the School of Public Health. The researchers have worked for over five years to create computer programs that can calculate the risk undertaken by high risk groups such as men seeking sex with other men via the online medium. The programs developed are slated to be put to test this month to check out their usability. Apparently, the programs ask users questions related to self esteem, body image, sexual health, and risk-taking behavior, subsequently offering information about HIV/AIDS, and related issues. The work put in by the researchers has graduated into a multi-phased, inter-disciplinary project dubbed the 'Men's Internet Study' or MINTS. MINTS researchers are hoping that the trials will be successful. They also intend to use their online prevention model for causes such as prevention of Cancer, substance abuse intervention, and prevention of obesity.