Why are increasing numbers of men putting themselves at risk of HIV? The recipient of a new research grant from the AIDS Foundation, Michael Stevens, hopes to comprehensively answer this question. $6,000 was awarded to Stevens, who has just commenced a PhD at the University of Auckland, from the Foundation's Matt Whyte Postgraduate Research Grant scheme, named after the late Matt Whyte, a tireless NZAF worker and supporter of people living with HIV who died of an AIDS-related illness last year. Stevens' research will concern the lives of men with living with HIV, especially those men who have become recently infected with the virus, in an effort to explore the very human problem behind the cold statistics. “By talking to men who have recently become infected I hope to get a better understanding of the social and cultural factors that influence HIV infection,” he says. “This study will extend our knowledge of what lies behind HIV infection in New Zealand, and also provide information for further prevention campaigns.” Stevens hopes to speak to men from around the country, and says confidentiality will be respected. “As someone who lives with the virus myself I am very sensitive to the situation of HIV positive gay men,” he says.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Saturday, 30th April 2005 - 12:00pm