Grant: CIHR Café Scientifique Program

Gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), comprise approximately half of new HIV cases in Canada. The Café Scientifique will discuss CIHR-funded social and psychological research on risk factors and protective factors related to sex and HIV prevention for MSM. Dr. Trevor Hart and Dr. Barry Adam will present their CIHR-funded research from 3 projects: 1) A Small Group Intervention to Reduce HIV Sexual Transmission Risk Behaviour Among HIV Positive Men Who Have Sex With Men: Gay Positive Sex (GPS), 2) Linking Molecular and Social Cluster Analyses in HIV Transmission: Phase 1 project, and 3) Social Anxiety as a Risk Factor for HIV Sexual Transmission Among Men Who Have Sex with Men: Mechanisms of Action. From these projects, we will discuss implications on the following HIV/AIDS topics relevant to population health: current syphilis and Hepatitis C outbreaks among MSM, spreading resistant strains of HIV, the assumptions problem in which MSM assume that sexual partners are the same HIV status, the problems in equating undetectable viral load with safe sex, and high levels of unprotected anal intercourse among HIV+ men and a significant set of HIV-negative men. The researchers will discuss these problems in light of recent scientific claims that "treatment is prevention", i.e., that HIV treatment will lead to 100% prevention. The venue will be the 519 Church Community Centre, an ideal setting for a community event where researchers and community members can chat, as it is a gay-friendly space, easily accessible via public transport, and disability-accessible. Our Café will be accessible to the public, stimulating discussion between public participants and experts. We will broaden the reach of our Café by web casting the event and inviting knowledge-users from ASOs and other groups who cannot physically attend to gather participants and join in on the conversation. All Café attendees will receive the CIHR Café Scientifique Evaluation Survey.