HIV survey taps social networks
Leading HIV research centre the Kirby Institute is conducting research into how gay men network and communicate and their beliefs about what is acceptable around sexual practices.
The CONNECT study will look at how these factors relate to HIV risk and risk reduction and how gay men negotiate sexual practices.
The study is the first of its kind in Australia to use a form of recruitment in which men who participate are asked to refer friends to complete the survey to learn how gay men communicate and if they share beliefs.
The study is being conducted in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, with the aim of recruiting 945 men in Sydney as part of a total of 2000 across the three cities.
To participate you must be at least 18 years old and have had sex with another man in the last 12 months.
Participants will be asked to fill in a computerised questionnaire which takes 30-40 minutes to complete, and will be asked about their social and sexual practices, relationships, drug use, HIV sero-status, use of health services, and understanding of norms around these practices.
All answers will be anonymous and confidential and your name will not be associated with your survey, and you may skip any questions you are uncomfortable with.
You will then be given three referral coupons to give to three other gay men you know well.
Numbers, not names, will be used to connect survey participants, and none of your answers will be made known to the men you refer or vice versa.
The study will provide information for HIV sector organisations like state AIDS Councils and GLBT health organisations about how to better target HIV prevention and promote safe sex among men.
At the study’s completion, all members of the three longest recruitment chains will be given a chance to win three prizes — a $4000 Flight Centre travel voucher and two smaller prizes.
For further questions, contact the CONNECT study chief investigator, Dr Iryna Zablotska, at the Kirby Institute on 02 9385 0951.
info: www.connectstudy.net
