Addressing HIV/AIDS, sexual health, and substance use among gay and other men who have sex with men

Year 2017

Type Scholar Award
Principal investigator Nathan J Lachowsky
Host institution University of Victoria
Research location University of Victoria

New HIV diagnoses are 71 times higher among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM) than other men in Canada. Since 2010, BC has adopted Treatment as Prevention (TasP) as a policy to increase HIV testing and engage more HIV-positive individuals in effective treatment to reduce transmission at a population level. However, the number of new diagnoses among GBM in BC has remained largely unchanged. Further, surveillance shows an increase of HIV diagnoses among the youngest birth cohorts of GBM. HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a new preventive tool for HIV-negative GBM, but inaccurate information, sub-optimal adherence or risk-compensation could result in a false sense of security, paradoxically leading to increased HIV transmission. In addition to HIV, infectious syphilis is now epidemic among GBM in BC.

This research program will address the HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) epidemics among GBM in Metro Vancouver and BC. Dr. Lachowsky will measure HIV risk behaviour over time, determine how PrEP affects bacterial STI incidence, and analyze shifting attitudes about HIV, challenges with HIV prevention and treatment, and changes in sexual negotiation and practices. Results will directly inform population-specific, age-relevant public health policy, programming, and interventions to reduce the burden of HIV for GBM, especially young GBM.

Dr. Lachowsky will employ a bidirectional, integrated knowledge translation approach, with a Community Engagement Committee and key academic, public health, and community partners. An interactive Web 2.0 hub will allow for knowledge dissemination and generation with community and service providers, and will be complemented with more traditional presentations, workshops, and publications.This single research project is part of a larger program of research examining health disparities amongst GBM in BC and Canada using interdisciplinary, community-based approaches.