Marseille 2007
Marseille 2007
Abstract book
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Abstract #179  -  Behavioural monitoring of MSM for evidence-inspired HIV-prevention policy
Session:
  29.5: Lessons learned for tomorrow's strategies (Parallel) on Tuesday @ 11.00-12.30 in Auditorium/Overflow Chaired by Lisa Power, Yves Souteyrand
Authors:
  Presenting Author:   Ms wim zuilhof - Schorer, gay and lesbian health, Netherlands Antilles
 
  Additional Authors:  Mr Tobias Drfler, Dr Harm J. Hospers ,  
Method / Issue:
Since 1998, Schorer Gay and Lesbian Health and Maastricht University conducted a series of cross-sectional surveys among MSM in the Netherlands. Recruited respondents completed and returned an extensive questionnaire. The collected data on sexual behaviour, HIV-testing behaviour, HIV and STI incidence and attitudes on safer sex are used for the prevention of HIV among MSM in the Netherlands. On the basis of the results priorities in HIV-prevention policy aimed at MSM were set. This long-term project was motivated by the need to integrate scientific research in the development of HIV prevention activities for MSM.
 
Results / Comments:
Results and findings: * There have been four surveys so far: three nationwide (2000, 2003, 2006) and one concerning MSM who made use of Amsterdams gay infrastructure (2004). The results were presented in final reports, presentations for health professionals, fact sheets and articles in health publications and gay magazines. The built up database remains available for further analyses of trends in sexual behaviour. * As from 2006, the survey takes place via the Internet. Thanks to this online approach, the number of respondents has more than doubled (N=4250 in 2006). Also, the online method allows for tailoring questions depending on respondent characteristics. Less complicated logistics and the automatic input of data now facilitate that the surveys can be executed on an annual basis. * As it obtains data from a broad range of MSM throughout the entire country, the monitor has become a much-cited source for (trends in) the sexual behaviour of MSM in the Netherlands. It provides an important contribution towards better behavioural surveillance of MSM in the Netherlands. * The results contributed to improved priority setting within HIV-prevention policy aimed at Dutch MSM and led to specific or intensified prevention activities for MSM with steady partners, MSM active on the Internet and HIV-positive MSM. The results also contributed to (improved) campaigns for HIV-testing and PEP. The surveys provided the empirical basis for the choices made. * The results led to further studies on MSM who look for sex partners on the Internet, on young MSM who have recently had their coming-out and to research on the reasons MSM have for not testing for HIV.
 
Discussion:
Lessons learned: * The scientific monitoring of trends in sexual behaviour of MSM, their attitudes, and HIV-testing behaviour is necessary for making informed choices on HIV-prevention policies aimed at MSM. * The data have more impact if they are linked in subsequent analyses to the most recent data from epidemiological research. However, collaboration with epidemiological institutes is not always easy to establish and often time consuming. * The comparison of data on an international scale could increase the understanding of trends. This demands international cooperation among national or regional collaborative clusters of research institutes and prevention organisations as well as international consensus about the form, content and frequency of the survey. Due to national/regional differences and scattered sources of funding, such collaboration is difficult to get off the ground.
 
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