New study to ask whether HIV treatment is prevention

The Centre for Social Research in Health at the University of New South Wales is looking for HIV-positive gay men in Sydney to participate in a new study looking at what they think about the concept of HIV ‘treatment as prevention’.

The study has come out of clinical trial results that indicate being on antiretroviral therapy for HIV significantly reduces a HIV-positive person’s viral load, and therefore their chances of passing on the virus. The term ‘treatment as prevention’ has been given to the strategy of attempting to reduce new HIV infections by encouraging early treatment.

Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Research in Health (CSRH) Dr Martin Holt told the Star Observer the study would focus on HIV-positive gay men’s attitudes.

“We are looking to interview HIV-positive gay or bisexual men aged 18 or older living in the Sydney area. We’re interested to hear your thoughts whether you’re on HIV drug treatment or not,” he explained, saying the questions would focus on the ‘treatment as prevention’ concept.

“Does the concept of ‘treatment as prevention’ affect how you feel about HIV treatment? Does it affect how you feel about HIV prevention?”

Holt said the study would also seek to identify possible education or support needs for HIV-positive gay men around HIV prevention and treatment.

Interviews will last for 1–2 hours. For more information or to participate, contact researcher Anthony Bains via email at [email protected] or on 0438 203 159.