Victorian Gay and Bisexual Men's Health and Lifestyle Survey, 1986-1989

The Victorian Gay and Bisexual Men's Lifestyle and Health Survey was conducted in response to a recommendation by the National Advisory Committee on AIDS (NACAIDS) which called for further research into the behavioural and social correlates of HIV transmission amongst gay men. Over a three year period, interviews were held with a 300 plus cohort of homosexual and bisexual men in order to: a) establish the effect exposure to AIDS related information has had on the sexual practices and attitudes of homosexual and bisexual men b) identify those psychological or attitudinal factors that are associated with sexual behaviours and c) identify those social, psychological, and attitudinal factors that are correlated with a move from unsafe to safe sexual practices. In addition to the main interview, participants were asked to provide a sample of their blood to test for seropositivity or seronegativity to the HIV virus. Respondents were asked questions related to seven primary research topics - sexual behaviour (e.g. relationship status, sexual activities within and outside permanent relationship, meeting places used for sex, prostitution, blood drawing activities, sexual hygeine, change in sexual behaviours, impact of AIDS on sex behaviours, personal threat of AIDS); communicability (e.g. cities and countries visited, sexual contacts in these cities and countries); drug use (e.g. tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs); health and nutrition (e.g. diet, exercise, present and past medical conditions, AIDS symptoms); feelings, beliefs and attitudes (e.g. HIV-AIDS related issues, past exposure to AIDS, knowledge of people with AIDS); and information sources on AIDS. Background variables include age, ethnic/racial background, marital status, living situation, educational background, and occupational status and background.