Mon 28 Feb 2005 In: Living Well View at Wayback View at NDHA
A health study aimed at improving and promoting health services for gay men is seeking more participants in younger and older age groups. Jeff Adams, a PhD student at the University of Auckland who is undertaking the study says many men in the Auckland gay community have already taken part, but as it's important to get a wide range of people involved in the research he's looking for more men in their 50s and 60s and older, plus younger men 16-years old and over. Men from anywhere in Auckland or further afield are being encouraged take part. "Participation involves taking part in one discussion group lasting between 1.5 to 2 hours," says Adams. "The group discussion covers a number of areas, such as issues around masculinity, what men do to stay healthy, what unhealthy things they do, what influence the gay community has on their lives, and the negative and positive aspects of healthcare services." It's hardly surprising that the main focus of gay men's health over the past 20 years or so has been on HIV/AIDS. However, in recent times a number of other health issues for gay men – such as eating disorders, substance abuse and suicide – have been addressed internationally in recent times. But Adams says there has been a lot less interest in such issues in New Zealand. Adams says his research will explore "what gay men in New Zealand think about health and health-related issues, and the information will be used to make recommendations on policy and practice for a range of service providers and policy makers." A number of organisations and individuals have been consulted about this project, including gay doctors, Rainbow Youth, and the NZ AIDS Foundation. To take part in this important research contact Adams at 0-9-373 7599 ext 86309, 021 252 1333 or j.adams@auckland.ac.nz Jay Bennie - 28th February 2005