Grant: Operating Grant - HIV/AIDS CBR Program - General

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) bear a disproportionate burden of the epidemic in Canada, and HIV incidence appears to be rising among Canadian MSM. There is therefore clearly a need for new thinking to improve HIV prevention efforts for HIV-negative MSM. The research literature tends to use a risk factor/deficit model. This model does not adequately explain why most MSM manage to consistently practice protected sex. The lack of knowledge on protective factors limits the ability of public health agencies and AIDS service organizations to prevent the spread of HIV. The present study aims to examine how HIV- MSM rely on to reduce their sexual risks. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study will identify protective factors and sexual strategies among MSM that lead to higher or lower sexual risk outcomes. The research team includes university researchers from multiple disciplines, researchers from the AIDS Committee of Toronto and OHTN-based researchers. This study intends to build capacity of AIDS service organizations (ASOs), support evidence-based practice, support research, and build, support, and enhance community-academic-policy partnerships.