This brief updates Australia’s HIV sector on three journal articles published from the Gay Community Periodic Surveys (GCPS) from the Centre for Social Research in Health at the University of NSW. The findings from these surveys provide insight into some of the communities we work with, particularly gay and bisexual men (GBM).
The GCPS are repeated, cross-sectional surveys of GBM conducted in the metropolitan areas of seven Australian states and territories. Since 1996, they have been a crucial part of Australia’s behavioural surveillance system for HIV. The data captured provides researchers with a regular window into the sexual practices of GBM. The survey includes questions on the use of HIV prevention strategies and treatment, drug use and testing patterns for HIV and other STIs. As the peak community-controlled HIV organisation, AFAO is represented on the GCPS national reference group. Our state-based member organisations lead efforts to recruit participants at gay community venues and events, sexual health clinics and online.
AFAO uses findings from the GCPS to develop communications for members, stakeholders and funders and donors. The research informs service provision planning among our membership and helps secure
investment in programs and activities to implement the National HIV Strategy.