Research on groups and populations most at risk of infection is an important part of the Australian response to the HIV epidemic.

Social researchers employ different research methods and disciplinary background to undertake research ranging from behavioural surveillance and longitudinal cohorts to detailed qualitative studies and critical reviews of primary sources.

Social research includes:

• Monitoring behaviours that increase the spread of HIV such as unprotected sex and sharing injecting equipment
• Describing the experiences of HIV testing and diagnosis
• Exploring the experiences of living with HIV, for example disclosure of HIV status, decisions about treatments, and experiences of HIV-related stigma
• Understanding how people living with negotiate the medical field
• Examining attitudes towards new HIV prevention technologies such as vaccines and PrEP

Social research centres

National Centre in HIV Social Research

The National Centre in HIV Social Research (NCHSR) was established in 1990 with funding from the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, Australia. It is located at The University of New South Wales, Sydney. NCHSR is internationally recognised for its contribution to the Australian response to HIV and is committed to providing a multidisciplinary approach to its work, as well as engagement with those communities most affected by HIV.

Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society

The Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) was established as the Centre for the Study of Sexually Transmissible Diseases in February 1993 as an independent research unit within the Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe University. ARCSHS has a multi-disciplinary team of staff and is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and applied skills in sexual health research and education.