Perth Gay Community HIV Related Behavioural Survey (1998-2006)

Outline and Rationale

Research conducted in other western countries indicates that lesbian and bisexual women are more likely to report increased rates of poor mental and physical health than heterosexual women. For example the prevalence of substance use in these communities is reported to be two to three times higher compared to the heterosexual population. Research on tobacco use consistently shows a higher prevalence among lesbian and bisexual women than their heterosexual counterparts, and the tobacco industry is known to have selectively targeted the lesbian, gay and bisexual community with intensive marketing. Lesbian and bisexual (L&B) women more likely to report increased rates of poor mental health and may be more vulnerable to common mental illnesses due to social factors such as societal stigma and isolation. Research in the United States of America has suggested that compared to heterosexual women, lesbians are more likely to be overweight or obese, less likely to have undergone appropriate cholesterol screening, and consume fewer fruit and vegetables.

However published research has two important limitations for use in Western Australia. Firstly, none of the research has been conducted in Western Australia, and secondly the vast majority of the research has been health issue focused only and has not included important social and community engagement questions that would assist current and future health promotion interventions to effectively target L&B women.

Gay communities in smaller cities, such as Perth, have developed differently and have had a different evolution and experience of the HIV epidemic compared to cities at the epicentre of the Australian HIV epidemic such as Sydney. How this relates to individual and community responses to HIV is unknown. This study investigates the HIV related sexual and social behaviour of men attached to the Perth gay community, to understand changes in sexual behaviour and risk reduction. The study uses a mix of both quantitative and qualitative research. The initial quantitative component, a self-completed anonymous survey attached to the Perth Gay Community, investigated the associations between demographic, social and HIV status variables with sexual negotiation and risk behaviour.

The analysis and findings of this quantitative survey has directed qualitative research into the identified associations, and the symbolic meanings given to HIV, sexual negotiation, risk and risk reduction, and HIV status. This year will be the fourth time the survey has been conducted and will for the first time coincide with the Lesbian and bisexual women’s health and wellbeing.

Key Outcomes

The initial quantitative research has:

• Identified changes in sexual negotiation and behaviour amongst Perth gay men between 1998 and 2000.
• Identified behavioural trends that are similar and different to those observed in other Australian cities / states, particularly increases in unprotected anal intercourse with casual partners and risk reduction strategies that may not involve condoms.
• Determined the associations that exist between the variables of casual and regular relationships, knowledge of impact of treatment on transmission, knowledge of HIV status, contact with the HIV epidemic, and negotiation of sexual behaviour, actual sexual behaviour and condom use.

Benefits of Project

• This study will inform the development of effective health promotion and community development strategies in WA to respond to important changes in sexual negotiation and behaviour, and the meanings of HIV in the gay community.
• The study will also make an important contribution to the collection and comparison of equivalent data throughout Australia as part of a national data collection strategy.

Funding

• Health Department of Western Australian

Publications and Presentations

Brown, G; Maycock, B; VandeVen, P; Prestage, G; Langdon, T; Shaw, T. 2001. Perth Gay Community survey: Brief report. West Australian AIDS Council, Western Australian Centre for Health Promotion Research, Curtin University, National Centre in HIV Social Research, UNSW.

Brown, G; Maycock, B; VandeVen, P; Prestage, G; Langdon, T; Shaw, T. 2001. Perth Gay Community survey: Full report. West Australian AIDS Council, Western Australian Centre for Health Promotion Research, Curtin University, National Centre in HIV Social Research, UNSW

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