Location:
The Kirby Institute Level 6 Seminar Room Wallace Wurth Building UNSW Australia Sydney NSW 2052
Open to
All
Contact for enquiries
Rata Joseph +61 (0)2 9385 0900 rjoseph@kirby.unsw.edu.au
The Kirby Institute is pleased to present:
Mr Mo Hammoud, PhD Candiate & Project Manager, HIV Epidemiology and Prevention Program, The Kirby Institute.
“The Flux Study: An online cohort study on drug using behaviours and beliefs, and associated harms, among gay and bisexual men. Methodology and preliminary findings.”
Abstract:
The Flux study (Following Lives Undergoing Change) aims to identify individual trajectories of drug using behaviour and beliefs, and what predicts changes in these over time. We will explore differences that emerge through men's engagement in local gay community subcultures and networks. This cohort study will contribute to Australia’s response to drug use by identifying: risk factors for and prevalence and incidence of, drug use and associated harms within this high risk population, and changes in these behaviours over time; the role of gay community norms in individuals' beliefs about and motivations for drug use; and implications for HIV and HCV infection. Findings will help to better target, educate and support those at risk of drug use and associated harms. We present the baseline findings of this study.
Bio:
After completing a Bachelor of Psychology degree with honours, Mo commenced his PhD at the Kirby Institute looking at gay community subcultures in relation to drug use and misuse, and their association with sexual risk taking. Mo has worked on several research projects; most notably, investigating gay and bisexual men’s experience of living with prostate cancer, interviewing high profile politicians on current events, and exploring gay and bisexual sex workers about their experiences, drug use, and health related behaviours. He is currently the project manager of the Flux study at the Kirby Institute; a three-year cohort study on the incidence of, and factors associated with, drug use, and its consequences, among gay and bisexual men. The Flux study explores attitudes about gay community life, drug use, and how gay and bisexual men take care of themselves and each other.