HEPP Studies

SPANC: Study of the Prevention of ANal Cancer.
The SPANC study is a four year cohort study of the prevalence, incidence and risk factors for anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and associated pre-cancerous lesions in homosexual men. The study aims to provide an evidence-base to inform the development of anal cancer screening guidelines in homosexual men. For more details visit www.spanc.org.au or email Andrew Grulich agrulich@kirby.unsw.edu.au

Opposites attract study
This study is a NHMRC funded four-year (2011-2014) cohort study of risk factors for HIV transmission in serodiscordant homosexual couples. The focus of the study is on blood and seminal viral load, and on the relationship of viral load with HIV transmission risk. The study will provide evidence on the relationship between HIV viral load and transmission risk in homosexual men. For more details please contact Ben Bavinton bbavinton@kirby.unsw.edu.au www.oppositesattract.net.au

CONNECT
www.connectstudy.net

PASH: Pleasure and Sexual Health
PASH was a study of gay and bisexual men’s experiences of and attitudes toward sex and pleasure. 2,306 men completed a national online survey, which was complemented by in-depth interviews. The study explored what gay men currently think about HIV and risk in relation to pleasure in their lives. PASH provided valuable information for health promotion efforts and policy development in the development of health promotion materials for gay and bisexual men. A report is available on the PASH study website www.pash-syudy.net

Seroconversion Study: Experiences of HIV
This is a study for people who have recently been diagnosed with HIV. The study collects information about people’s experiences with HIV, both before and after being diagnosed. This study will provide valuable information for health promotion efforts and for policy development, and may be used in the development of health promotion materials. Reports are available on the Seroconversion Study website. If you have recently been diagnosed with HIV you can participate in this study through the online questionnaire, through the Seroconversion Study website www.hivss.net

HIM: Health in Men
Health in Men (HIM) was a study of 1,427 HIV-negative gay men who live and socialise in Sydney and was associated with an international collaboration aimed at developing a HIV vaccine. HIM was specifically concerned with how vaccines might affect the community. We examined changes in behaviour, attitudes and HIV incidence among HIV-negative gay men in Sydney over time. Participants were interviewed and tested for HIV and other sexually transmissible infections annually from 2001 until 2007. This study ended on the 30th June 2007. Reports of the findings and papers are available online.

TOMS: Three or More Study
The Three or More Study (TOMS) provided data on risk behaviour and condom negotiation in a cross-sectional sample of 1,354 homosexually active men who engaged in group sex in 2007-2008. The study utilised a mixed-methods approach in collecting both qualitative (in-depth interviews) and quantitative data (short, self-administered survey questionnaire). Men who engaged in group sex were recruited from a range of gay community venues and events and through websites servicing men who have sex with men (MSM) in NSW, Victoria and Queensland. A report of the findings is available online.