Charlie Sheen's interview about his HIV diagnosis was 'potential earth-shaking event' for HIV prevention

Awareness of and interest in the virus spikes after a decade-long decline in interest

An adult film star claimed Charlie Sheen never informed her of his diagnosis (AP)

Charlie Sheen may have been effectively forced into disclosing his HIV diagnosis, but he could also have inadvertently saved lives by speaking candidly about the virus and his treatment.

The Two and a Half Men actor spoke about his HIV diagnosis on the US talk show Today after allegedly paying $10 million to keep people from speaking to the press about his status over four years.

Research on search trends in the aftermath of his interview with Today shows HIV-related Google searches in the US hit record levels while the number of articles discussing HIV rose dramatically. This increase in awareness of the virus, how it is contracted and treatment could have more long-term health benefits for the public.

Data produced by Professor John Ayers, from San Diego State University Graduate School of Public Health in the US, found a 265 per cent increase in news reports mentioning HIV archived on the Bloomberg Terminal. An additional 6,500 stories were reported on the Google News website on the day of Sheen’s interview.

His interview was followed by the greatest number of HIV-related Google searches ever recorded in the United States on a single day. About 2.75 million more searches including the term “HIV” were made than expected, an increase of 417 per cent.

In addition, 1.25 million more searches than expected were made that included the terms “condoms”, “HIV symptoms”, and “HIV testing”. All of this comes after interest in HIV and reporting on the virus had apparently declined over the last decade.

Dr Ayes said “Charlie Sheen's disclosure was a potential earth-shaking event for HIV prevention in the United States.

“While no-one should be forced to reveal their HIV status and all diagnoses are tragic, Sheen's disclosure may benefit public health by potentially helping many learn more about HIV and HIV prevention.”

Study co-author Eric Leas said Sheen’s announcement was particularly significant as it comes at a time when smartphones and the internet make learning about HIV as simple as clicking on one article.

“With Sheen, unlike with Magic Johnson for instance, we have smartphones in our pockets that we can easily use to learn about HIV within seconds with a single search or click,” Mr Leas said. “At the same time, social media can expand the effect of Sheen’s disclosure beyond the initial television broadcast as networks form around celebrities.”