The National MSM Study investigates the sexual health and HIV prevention needs of men who have sex with men in Australia, inclusive of heterosexual/straight, bi+ and gay men. The study examines sex and relationships with male, female and non-binary partners, disclosure and secrecy about sexual behaviour, and health-seeking behaviour. The broader goals of the study are to understand HIV risk (comparing bi+ and heterosexual men who have sex with men to gay men), the importance of discretion and confidentiality in disclosing sexual behaviour, barriers and incentives to health-seeking behaviour and acceptable forms of HIV testing and prevention.

This study is led by researchers at the Centre for Social Research in Health and the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney in collaboration the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University, Curtin University, WAAC, NSW Ministry of Health, Health Equity Matters (formerly the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations) and the National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA).

Research Centre

Centre for Social Research in Health

Research Area

HIV and Sexual Health

A national survey of men who have sex with men, inclusive of heterosexual/straight, bi+ and gay men, will be carried out in the second half of 2024. The survey is for all men who have sex with men, of any sexuality, who are aged 18 years and older and live in Australia.

Pilot interviews were carried out in June and July 2024 to assist in the development of the national survey. In the second half of 2024, in-depth qualitative interviews will explore men who have sex with men’s experiences with sexual health and HIV prevention. For more information about the in-depth interviews, please contact Dr Anthony KJ at anthony.smith@unsw.edu.au.

This research is supported by funding from a National Health and Medical Research Council Partnership Project (GNT2002625), support from Australian state and territory health departments, and surveillance funding from the Australian Government Department of Health.

For media enquiries, please contact Professor Martin Holt at m.holt@unsw.edu.au or +61 2 9385 6410.

If you would like to discuss your participation in either the survey or interviews, please contact Dr James MacGibbon at j.macgibbon@unsw.edu.au or +61 2 9348 1246.

Related people

Professor, Research Director (Compliance and Capacity Building) Martin Holt
Professor, Research Director (Compliance and Capacity Building)
Senior Research Fellow Timothy Broady
Senior Research Fellow
Professor and Associate Dean (Engagement and Impact) Christy Newman
Professor and Associate Dean (Engagement and Impact)
Associate Professor Limin Mao
Associate Professor