Webinar via Microsoft Teams Live Event
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Kirby Institute Seminar Series presents
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Dr Steven Philpot Steven Philpot has expertise in qualitative methodologies in social research. He mostly researches HIV prevention, sexual health, identity, and sexuality among gay and bisexual men, people living with HIV, and migrants. |
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Dr Tiffany Phillips Tiffany Phillips is a research fellow at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre and Monash University with a background in genetics. Her current research focuses on STI epidemiology and prevention, with a particular interest in health promotion. |
Abstract
HIV notifications in Australia have become increasingly concentrated among gay and bisexual men (GBM) born in overseas, non-English speaking countries. Responding effectively to this change requires focused attention on the cultural norms, transnational experiences, and engagement with identity, community, and health services of this population, as well as on HIV testing and prevention and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
In this presentation two qualitative interview studies with overseas-born GBM are synthesised. The first explored the experiences of 24 GBM living in Sydney from overseas-born non-English speaking countries recently diagnosed with HIV. The second study explored the experiences of 24 recently-arrived Asian-born GBM living in Melbourne who were HIV-negative.
The similarity of the findings across both studies is striking. Despite the different study settings, many participants reported that their countries of birth were places holding significant stigma towards HIV and homosexuality, as well as places that had inadequate sexual health services. Some participants internalised this stigma and brought it with them when they migrated to Australia. This resulted in low HIV testing, low use of PrEP, mixed practices and attitudes towards condoms, and unfamiliarity with the Australian healthcare system.
Opinions expressed in the Kirby Institute Seminar Series are solely those of the speaker and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Kirby Institute or UNSW.
