Health Sciences

Professor Marian Pitts is the Director of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University.  Marian has previously held appointments in Zimbabwe, the USA and the UK and has worked in the area of HIV/AIDS and STIs. She has published numerous articles in key journals in her field and is the author of The Psychology of Preventive Health (1996) and co-editor of The Psychology of Health (1998), and, with Anthony Smith, Researching the Margins (2007).

Since 2000 as Director of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University, Professor Pitts has been responsible for building and directing a multi-disciplinary team of 40 staff with qualifications and expertise in psychology, anthropology, sociology, public health, health promotion, methodology, epidemiology, education, women’s health, consumer advocacy and health policy. Her work at ARCSHS includes research with a number of stigmatised and marginalised groups. Professor Pitts was also the lead investigator on the successful bid by ARCSHS (with Women’s Health Victoria and the Victorian AIDS Council) to establish the Gay and Lesbian Health Resource Unit. The unit is the first of its kind in the world, and is working to build the capacity of health care providers and health organisations to better meet the GLBTI community's health needs and to provide appropriate service delivery.

Since 2000 Professor Pitts has been invited to provide advice and expertise to State and Federal Ministerial committees related to sexual health and STIs, to the World Health Organisation in the areas of sex and sexual health, to the Ford Foundation and the New Zealand Ministry of Health. In 2005 she was Appointed Member of the NHMRC Discipline Panel, and was more recently appointed to the Federal HIV/AIDS and STI Subcommittee of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on AIDS, Sexual Health and Hepatitis. Between 2001 and 2006 Professor Pitts was a Member of Ministerial Advisory Committees on Sexual Health at State and National Level, and in 2006 was appointed to the Australian Research Council Panel of Experts.

Professor Pitts also contributes to the work of HIV sector community organisations such as the Victorian AIDS Council/Gay Men’s Health Centre and People Living with HIV/AIDS Victoria, and participates in community forums and co-operative research. Her activities in this area have been recognised by the Research Progress Award from People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) Victoria in 2002 and in 2006.

Smith, A. and Pitts MK. (2007). Researching the Margins: An Introduction in Researching the Margins. M. Pitts and A. Smith. (eds) London, Palgrave Macmillan.

Keys D, Rosenthal D and Pitts MK. (2006) Young People, sexuality and sexual behaviour in Aggleton P, Ball A and Mane P. (eds.) Sex Drugs and Young People: International Perspectives. Routledge: New York, London.

Pitts MK. (2005) Sexual Health and behaviour change in Browning CJ and Thomas SA (eds) Behavioural Change: An Evidence-based Handbook for Social and Public Health. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.

Pitts MK. (2005) Sexual Health for all? Australia in 2004, Chapter 1 in Temple-Smith M and Gifford S (eds) Sexual Health: An Australian Perspective, Melbourne: IP Communications.

Pitts MK. (2004) Foreword in Young People and Sexual Health in E. Burtney and M. Duffy (eds.) Palgrave MacMillan, London.

Pitts MK. and Bradley E. (2000) Gynaecological cancers in Ussher J (ed.) Women’s Health: An International Reader, BPS Books.

Pitts MK, Ferris J, Smith AMA, Shelley J, Richters J. (ACCEPTED FOR PUBLICATION 7 December 2007) 'Prevalence and correlates of three types of pelvic pain in a nationally representative sample of Australian men.' The Journal of Sexual Medicine.

Pitts MK, Ferris J, Smith AMA, Shelley J, Richters J. (Submitted 27 June 2007) 'Prevalence and correlates of three types of pelvic pain in a nationally representative sample of Australian women.' The Medical Journal of Australia.

Ruth McNair, Rhonda Brown, Amaryll Perlesz, Jo Lindsay, David de Vaus & Pitts MK (2008) 'Lesbian Parents Negotiating the health care system in Australia.'Health Care for Women International. 29(2).

Grierson J, Pitts MK, Thorpe R. (2007) 'State of the (positive) nation findings from the fourth national Australian HIV futures survey.' International Journal of STD & AIDS. 18(9): 622-625.

Pitts MK, Dyson S, Rosenthal DA, Garland S. (2007) 'Knowledge and awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV): attitudes towards HPV vaccination among a representative sample of women in Victoria, Australia.' Sexual Health. 4(3): 177-180

Rosenthal D, Dyson S, Pitts MK, Garland S. (2007). 'Challenges to accepting a human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine: a qualitative study of Australian women.' Women and Health. 45(2): 59-73.

Smith A, Pitts MK, Shelley J, Richters J, Ferris J. (2007) 'The Australian longitudinal study of health and relationships.' BMC Public Health. (7)139.

Newton D, Fairley C, Teague R, Donovan B, Bowden FJ, Bilardi J, Pitts MK. Chen M. (2007) 'Australian sexual health practitioners’ use of chaperones for genital examinations: a survey of attitudes and practice.' Sexual Health. 4(2): 95-7.

Teague R, Newton D, Fairley C, Hocking J, Pitts MK, Bradshaw C, Chen M. (2007) 'The Differing Views of Male and Female Patients Towards Chaperones for Genital Examinations in a Sexual Health Setting.' Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 34(11).

Pitts MK, Fox C, Willis J, Anderson J. (2007). 'What do gay men know about HPV? Australian Gay Men's Knowledge and Experience of Anal Cancer Screening and HPV.' Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 34(3): 170-3.

Tideman RL, Chen MY, Pitts MK, Ginige S, Slaney M, Fairley CK. (2007). 'A randomised controlled trial comparing computer-assisted with face-to-face sexual history taking in a clinical setting.' Sexually Transmitted Infections. 83(1): 52-6.

Agius P, Dyson S, Pitts MK, Mitchell A, Smith AMA. (2006) 'Two steps forward and one step back? Australian secondary students’ sexual health knowledge and behaviors 1992 - 2002.' Journal of Adolescent Health. 38(3): 247-52.

Agius P, Pitts MK, Dyson S, Mitchell A, Smith AMA. (2006). 'Pregnancy and contraceptive use in a representative sample of Australian secondary students.' Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 30(6): 555-7.

Couch, M and Pitts MK. (2006). 'The positioning of bisexuals and ‘men who have sex with men’ in sex, sexuality and sexual health research, 1990-2004.' Health Sociology Review, 15(3): 269-276.

Holden CA, Jolley D, McLachlan RI, Pitts MK, Cumming R., Wittert G, Handelsman DJ, de Kretser DM. (2006). 'Men in Australia Telephone Survey (MATeS): predictors of men’s help-seeking behaviour for reproductive health disorders.' Medical Journal of Australia. 185(8): 418-22.

Lindsay J, Perlesz A, Brown R, McNair R, de Vaus D, Pitts MK. (2006). 'Stigma or Respect: Lesbian-parented families negotiating school settings.' Sociology, 40(6): 1059-1077.

McNally S, Temple-Smith M, Sievert W and Pitts MK. (2006). 'Now, later or never? Challenges associated with hepatitis C treatment.' Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 30(5): 422-7.

Perlesz A, Brown R, McNair, Lindsay J, Pitts MK and de Vaus D. (2006) 'Lesbian family disclosure: Authenticity and safety within private and public domains.' Lesbian & Gay Psychology Review. 7(1) 53-63.

Perlesz A. Brown R, Lindsay J, McNair R, de Vaus D and Pitts MK. (2006) 'Family in transition: Parents, children and grandparents in lesbian families give meaning to 'doing' family.' Journal of Family Therapy, 28(2): 175-99.

Pitts MK, Couch MA, Smith AMA. (2006) 'Men who have sex with men (MSM): how much to assume and what to ask?' Medical Journal of Australia, 185(8): 450-2.

Smith AMA, Grierson J, Wain D, Pitts MK, Pattison P. (2006) 'Interpersonal and social network influences on gay men’s communication about unprotected sex.' Int J STD AIDS, 17(4): 267-70.

Smith AMA, Grierson J, Pitts MK, and Pattison, P. (2006). 'Individual characteristics are less important than event characteristics in predicting protected and unprotected anal intercourse among homosexual and bisexual men in Melbourne, Australia.' Sexually Transmitted Infections. 82(6): 474-7.

Tideman R, Pitts MK and Fairley CK. (2006) 'Client acceptability of the use of computers in a sexual health clinic.' International Journal of STD & AIDS 17(2): 121-123.

Tideman R, Pitts MK and Fairley CK. (2006) 'Use of the Delphi sorting technique to establish a core sexual history.' International Journal of STD & AIDS 17(3): 170-172.

Tomnay JE, Pitts MK, Kuo TC, Fairley CK (2006) 'Does the Internet assist clients to carry out contact tracing? A randomized controlled trial using web-based information.' International Journal STD and AIDS, 17(6): 391-4.

Pitts MK, Grierson JW, Misson S (2005) 'Growing older with HIV: A study of health, social and economic circumstances for people living with HIV in Australia over the age of 50 years' AIDS Patient Care and STDs, 19(7) 42-47

Grierson JW, Pitts MK and Misson S. (2005) 'Health and wellbeing of HIV-positive Australians: findings from the third national HIV Futures Survey.' International Journal of STD & AIDS. 16(12): 802-806.

Pitts MK, Smith AMA, Mischewski A and Fairley C. (2005) 'Men, bodily change and urethritis: a qualitative study.' Sexual Health. 2(1):25-28.

Tomnay JE, Pitts MK and Fairley CK. (2005) 'New technology and partner notification – why aren’t we using them?' International Journal of STD & AIDS. 16(1): 19-22.

Pitts MK, Grierson J and Misson S. (2005) 'Growing Older with HIV a study of health, social and economic circumstances for people living with HIV in Australia over the age of 50 years.' AIDS Patient Care and STDs. 19(7): 460-5.

Pitts MK and Couch M. (2005) 'Bisexuality and health psychology: Strange bedfellows?' Health Psychology Update. 14: 2, 27-32.

Holden C, McLachlan R, Pitts MK, Cumming R, Wittert G, Agius P, Handelsman D, de Kretser D. (2005) 'Men in Australia, telephone survey (MATeS) 1: a national survey of the reproductive health and concerns of middle aged and older Australian men.' Lancet. 366(9481): 218-24.

Holden C, McLachlan R, Cumming R, Wittert G, Handelsman D, de Kretser D and Pitts MK. (2005) 'Sexual activity, fertility and contraceptive use in middle aged and older Australian men: Men in Australia, Telephone Survey (MATes).' Human Reproduction. 20(12), 3429-34.

Petersen K, Baker HWG, Pitts MK and Thorpe R. (2005) 'Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Professional and Legal Restrictions in Australian Clinics.' Journal of Law and Medicine. 12(3): 373-385.

Smith AMA., Grierson J, Wain D, Pitts MK, Pattison P. (2004) 'Associations between the sexual behaviour of men who have sex with men and the structure and composition of their social networks. Sexually Transmitted Infections. 80(6): 455-8.

Tideman R, Pitts MK and Fairley CK. (2004) 'Current practice of sexual history taking by sexual health physicians in Australia and New Zealand.' Sexually Transmitted Infections, 80(5):389-391.

Pitts MK and Shields P. (2004) 'Access to infertility investigations and treatment for HIV+ people: A survey of Australian infertility clinics.' Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health. 28(4): 360-2.

Grierson, J. Pitts MK, Herewini TH, Rua’ine G, Hughes AJ, Saxton PJW, Whyte M, Misson S and Thomas M. (2004) 'Mate Āraikore A Muri Ake Nei: Experiences of Maori New Zealanders Living with HIV.'  Sexual Health. 1(3), 175-80.

Grierson J, Pitts MK, Whyte M, Misson S, Hughes A, Saxton P and Thomas M. (2004) 'Living with HIV in New Zealand: Balancing health and quality of life.' New Zealand Journal of Medicine.

Tomnay JE, Hatch BA, Pitts MK, Carter TR and Fairley CK. (2004) 'HIV partner notification: a 2002 audit.' International Journal of STD & AIDS. 15: (9): 629-631.

Pitts MK, Smith AMA, Grierson J, O’Brien M and Misson S. (2004) 'Who pays for sex and why? An analysis of social and motivational factors associated with male clients of sex workers.' Archives of Sexual Behavior, 33(4) 353-358.

Tomnay JE, Pitts MK and Fairley CK. (2004) 'Partner notification: preferences of Melbourne clients and the estimated proportion of sexual partners they can contact.' International Journal of STD & AIDS. 15: 415-418.

Grierson J, Misson S and Pitts MK. (2004) 'Correlates of Antiretroviral Treatment Breaks' HIV Medicine, 5(1) 34-9.

Pitts MK and Hanley F. (2004) 'Bringing infertility into focus for young people.' Health Education Journal, 104 (2) 100-113.

Antoni MH and Pitts MK. (2003) 'Journal of Psychosomatic research – Special issue – HIV & immunology.' Journal of Psychosomatic Research. 54(3) 179-183.

Tideman R, Pitts MK and Fairley C. (2003) 'Effects of a change from an appointment service to a walk-in triage service (WITS) at a sexual health centre.' International Journal of STDs and AIDS, 14 (12) 793-795.

Antoni MH and Pitts MK. (2003) 'HIV in 2003. Invited editorial for Special Issue on HIV and Immunology' Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 54 (3) 179-183.

Neale J, Pitts MK, Dunn PDJ, Hughes GM, Redman CWE. (2003) 'An Observational Study of Pre-Colposcopy Education Sessions: What do Women Want to Know?' Health Care for Women International. 24: 5.

Charlton R, Smith G, Austin C, Pitts MK, White DG. (2002) 'Audit tools for palliative care services: Identification of neglected aspects of care.' Palliative Medicine. 19(6). 397-402.

Pitts MK and Clarke T. (2002) 'Human Papillomavirus infections and risks of cervical cancer: What do women know?' Health Education Research: Theory and Practice, 17 (6) 706-714.

Byrom J, Clarke T, Neale J, Dunn PD, Hughes G, Redman C and Pitts MK. (2002) 'Can pre-colposcopy sessions reduce anxiety at the time of colposcopy? A prospective randomised study.' Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 22 (4) 415-420.

Hurley M, Pitts MK, Grierson J. (2002) 'Effect of patient centredness and positive approach. Partnership of patient and doctor may provide key to patient satisfaction.' British Medical Journal. Mar 2;324(7336):543. (letter)

Pitts MK, Cannon S and Singh G. (2001) 'Self-treatment among a sample of first time attenders at a genitourinary medical clinic.' Sexually Transmitted Infections 77 462.

Bradley E, Pitts MK, Calvert E and Redman C. (2001) 'Illness identity and the Self-Regulatory Model in Recovery from Early Stage Gynaecological Cancer.' Journal of Health Psychology 6(5) 511-521.

Pitts MK and Rahman Q. (2001) 'Which behaviours constitute having “had sex” in the UK?' Archives of Sexual Behavior 30(2) 169-176.

Pitts MK, Cannon S, Johnson I, Singh G, Clarke T and Rahman Q. (2001) 'Can we predict who will return to a genitourinary clinic?' International Journal of STD and AIDS, 12, 313-315.

Bradley E, Pitts MK, Redman C, Calvert E, Howells R and Wafai C. (2000) 'What are the factors associated with the follow-up preferences of women in long-term remission from gynaecological cancer?' Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 20(4), 408-411.

Pitts MK, Dowsett GW, Couch M, Keys D & Dutertre S. (2003) Looking for more: A Review of social and contextual factors affecting young people's sexual health. Report to World Health Organisation, Geneva.

Pitts MK and Hanley F. (2002) “I guess I’m naïve and don’t think it can happen to me”: Bringing infertility prevention into focus for young people. Report to Bertarelli Foundation, Geneva.

Pitts MK Couch M and Dowsett G. (2002) Searching for Sex: A systematic literature review of international research related to sexuality and sexual behaviour. Report to World Health Organisation, Geneva.

Johnson, K, Strong R, Hillier L & Pitts MK. (2002) Screened Out! Women with disabilities and cervical screening. Report to PapScreen, Cancer Council of Victoria.

Horsley P, McNair R & Pitts MK. (2001) Development of Research Papers for the Women’s Health and Well-being Strategy, Victoria.

Pitts MK, Couch M, McNally S, Grierson J. (2006). The dynamics and contexts of male-to-male sex in Indonesia and Thailand. Melbourne, La Trobe University, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, monograph series no. 62, 34pp.

Couch M, Dowsett GW, Duterte S, Keys D and Pitts MK (2006). Looking for More: A review of social and contextual factors affecting young people’s sexual health, Melbourne, La Trobe University, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, monograph series no. 61, 174pp

Grierson JW, Thorpe R and Pitts MK. (2006) HIV Futures Five: Life as we know it. Monograph Series No. 60.

Watson J, Temple-Smith M, Jenkinson K, Smith A, Pitts MK. 2005. An intervention to improve the management of Chlamydia by GPs. Melbourne, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society, 122pp.

McNally S, Temple-Smith M & Pitts MK. (2004) Making Decisions about Hepatitis C Treatment. Monograph Series No. 49.

Dyson S, Mitchell A, Smith A, Dowsett G, Hillier L and Pitts MK. 2003. Don’t ask don’t tell. Hidden in the crowd: the need for documenting links between sexuality and suicidal behaviours among young people. Melbourne, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society, 52pp.

Smith A, Agius P, Dyson S, Mitchell M and Pitts MK. 2003. Secondary Students and Sexual Health 2002. Melbourne, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society, 168pp.

Dyson S, Mitchell A, Smith A, Dowsett G, Pitts MK, Hillier L. (2003) Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Hidden in the Crowd: The Need for Documenting Links Between Sexuality and Suicidal Behaviours Among Young People. Report of the Same-Sex Attracted Youth Suicide Data Collection Project Monograph Series No. 45.

Grierson J, Misson S, McDonald K Pitts MK, and O’Brien M. (2002) HIV Futures 3: Positive Australians on Services, Health and Well Being. Monograph Series Number 37.

Grierson J, Pitts MK, Whyte M, Misson S, Hughes T, Saxton P, & Thomas M. (2002) HIV Futures New Zealand (Mate Āraikore A Muri Ake Nei): It’s your story, Monograph Series No. 32.

Couch M, Pitts MK. (2007) “Social transformations and the dynamics and contexts of male-to-male-sex in Indonesia and Thailand.” The 8th Conference of the Asia Pacific Sociological Association; Penang, Malaysia, 19 - 21 November 2007.

Pitts MK, Couch M. (2007) “Health, wellbeing, and access to health services among transgendered people: A report from the TranZnation Survey.” The 8th Conference of the Asia Pacific Sociological Association; Penang, Malaysia, 19 - 21 November 2007.

Couch M, Pitts MK. (2007) “Living with HIV in a Tamil Nadu district: A report from the HIV Futures Tamil Nadu Project.” The 8th Conference of the Asia Pacific Sociological Association; Penang, Malaysia, 19 - 21 November 2007.

Pitts, MK. (2007). “Don’t Call Us, We’ll Call You: Getting research outcomes into policy and practice.” Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing OHS Research Round Table on Hearing Loss Prevention. Mercure Hotel, Mercure Sydney Airport, 20 Levy Street, Arncliffe, 10 December 2007.

Pitts MK. Dyson S, Mullins R, Broun K. “What do women need to know about HPV as a ‘test for cure’ following cervical dysplasia?” Eurogin 2007: First Patient Education Conference – Sharing Experience and Action. Monte-Carlo, Monaco, 4 October 2007.

Grierson J, Pitts MK. “Making It Messy: Working From Multiple Perspectives in HIV and Sexuality Social Science.” Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Conference 2007. Granada, Spain. 10-13 July 2007.

Pitts MK, Grierson J, Thorpe R. “Living and working with HIV: Results from HIV Futures Surveys 1997-2005” Poster. 8th International AIDS Impact, Marseille, France, 1-4 July 2007.

Pitts MK, Couch M, Mulcare H, Mitchell A. “Health and well-being of non-heterosexual men and women in Australia: A report from the Private Lives Survey” 8th International AIDS Impact, Marseille, France, 1-4 July 2007.

Pitts MK. “How do we talk and educate the lay public about HPV and a vaccine?” AOGIN (Asia Oceania Research Organisation on Genital Infections and Neoplasia) Annual Conference 2007: Is this the end to cervical cancer? The impact of vaccination & HPV DNA testing. Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, 23 June 2007.

Pitts MK, Couch M, Mulcare H, Mitchell A. 2007. 'Self-reported health of non-heterosexual men and women in Australia: A report from the Private Lives Survey.' 8th International AIDS Impact Conference, Marseille France. 1 July – 4 July 2007.

Pitts MK. 'Androgen Replacement Therapy in Men – Uses, Misuse and Abuse.'Andrology Symposium, Adelaide, Australia, 25-26 May 2007.

Pitts MK. 'Androgen Replacement Therapy in Men – Uses, Misuse and Abuse.'World Association for Sexual Health conference 1st World Congress for Sexual Health Achieving Health, Pleasure, Respect, Sydney, Australia, 16 April 2007.

Pitts MK. 'What makes a successful research team?' Research and Graduate Studies Office seminar, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia, 15 March 2007.

Couch M. and Pitts MK. ‘Religious affiliation and non-heterosexual men and women in Australia: A report from the Private Lives Survey’, Presentation to The Australian Sociological Association 2006 Conference, University of Western Australia & Murdoch University, 4-7 December 2006.

Pitts MK. Couch M and Mulcare H. ‘Self-reported health and non-heterosexual men and women in Australia: A report from the Private Lives Survey’, Presentation to The Australian Sociological Association 2006 Conference, University of Western Australia & Murdoch University, 4-7 December 2006.

Pitts MK. Overview of ARCSHS presented to Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Noumea, New Caledonia, November 2006

Pitts MK, Grierson J, Thorpe R. 'Living and working with HIV: Results from HIV Futures Surveys 1997-2005.' 18th Annual ASHM Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 11-14 October 2006.

Pitts MK. 'Poor safe sex practices in middle aged and older Australian men: Men in Australia Telephone Survey (MATeS).' Australasian Sexual Health Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 9-11 October 2006.

Temple-Smith M, McNally S, Wallace J, Pitts MK, Smith AMA. 'Laws, regulations and guidelines relating to hepatitis C: a help or hindrance to public health?' Public Health Association. Sydney, 25-28th September 2006.

Pitts MK. Psychosocial Aspects of HPV. AOGIN 2nd Biennial Conference: “Breakthroughs & Issues in HPV Genital Infections & Neoplasia.” Mactan, Cebu, Philippines, 8 September 2006

Pitts MK. HPV: What Have Men Got to do With it? AOGIN 2nd Biennial Conference: “Breakthroughs & Issues in HPV Genital Infections & Neoplasia.” Mactan, Cebu, Philippines, 8 September 2006

Pitts MK. Women’s Health Issues: Adolescence, Sexuality and STI infections. AOGIN 2nd Biennial Conference: “Breakthroughs & Issues in HPV Genital Infections & Neoplasia.” Mactan, Cebu, Philippines, 8 September 2006

Pitts MK, Dyson S, Garland S, Rosenthal D. 'What do women know about HPV?' EUROGIN conference. Paris, April 2006.

Pitts MK. 'So what went right? The success (and failures) of HIV prevention and treatment in Australia.' Public Health Association of Australia Conference Perth, 26 September 2005. Invited speaker.

Pitts MK. 'Psychosocial aspects of HPV/DNA testing.' AOGIN conference, Sabah, 19 July 2005, invited speaker.

Pitts MK. 'MATES: Sexuality and fertility in middle-aged and older Australian men.' British Psychological Society Conference, Coventry, UK. 7 Sept 2005.

Pitts MK. 'MATES: Sexuality and fertility in middle-aged and older Australian men.' La Trobe University, 17 August 2005.

Pitts MK. 'MATES: Sexuality and fertility in middle-aged and older Australian men.' Sexual Health Conference. Tasmania, August 2005.

Pitts MK, Grierson J, Thorpe R, O’Brien M, Saunders M (2005) 'Co-infection with HIV and hepatitis C.' 7th International AIDS Impact Conference, Cape Town, South Africa, April 4-7 2005.

Pitts MK, Grierson J, Thorpe R, Saunders M. (2005) 'Growing older with HIV.' 7th International AIDS Impact Conference, Cape Town, South Africa, 19(7): 460-5.

Pitts MK, Grierson J, Thorpe R, Misson S, Hurley M and Willis J. 'Growing Older with HIV.' Oral presentation, MoOrD1092.  XV International AIDS Conference, Bangkok, July 2004.

Pitts MK, Grierson J, Hurley M, Willis J, Thorpe R and Misson S. 'Discrimination – experiences and consequences from a PLWHA perspective.' Poster presentation, XV International AIDS Conference, Bangkok, July 2004.

Grierson J, Smith AMA, Wain D and Pitts MK. 'Gay men’s social and sexual networks: Insights into processes of peer influence and social change.' Poster presentation. XV International AIDS Conference, Bangkok, July 2004.

Willis J, Hurley M, Pitts MK and Grierson J. 'The impact of industry structure and social organisation on male sex worker work practice.' Poster presentation. XV International AIDS Conference, Bangkok, July 2004.

Pitts MK, Grierson J, Smith AMA and Misson S. 'Social  and health correlates of STI incidence in sexually active adults.' 13th International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections, Asia Pacific Conference. Chang Mai, 6-9th July 2004.

Grierson J, Pitts MK, Whyte M., Hughes, T and Saxton P. 'Health promotion and health practice:  HIV positive gay men’s sexual practices in Australia and New Zealand.'  13th International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections, Asia Pacific Conference.  Chang Mai, 6-9th July 2004

Pitts MK. 'Mate Āraikore A Muri Ake Nei: Experiences of Maori New Zealanders Living with HIV' presentation to New Zealand Ministry of Health, June 2004.

Pitts MK. 'Social research and the recent rises in HIV'. Invited presentation to New Zealand Ministry of Health, June 2004

Pitts MK. 'HIV and the Role of Social Research.' 18th World Congress on Health Promotion and Health Education. 26- 30th April, 2004

Pitts MK, Johnson K, Hiller L and Strong, R. 'Screened out! Cervical Screening and Women with Disabilities.' 18th World Congress on Health Promotion and Health Education. 26- 30th April, 2004

Pitts MK, Grierson J, and Smith AMA. 'How good was it for you? Correlates of satisfaction with last sexual encounter.' 33rd Annual meeting Society of Australasian Social Psychologists (SASP) 15 – 18th April, 2004 Auckland, New Zealand.

Pitts MK. Keynote Presentation, 'Sex and sexuality in the land of Oz', British Psychological Society Health Psychology Conference, Stafford, UK, 3-5 September 2003.

Pitts MK. 'Why are women anxious and what are they anxious about? Cervical Cancer Not Yet Beaten - And at What Cost', Women's & Children's Health, Melbourne, 19 July 2003.

Pitts MK. and Grierson J. 'Understanding the positive experience: Researching with People Living with HIV/AIDS. Making Sense of: Health, Illness and Disease', 2nd Global Conference, St Hilda's College Oxford, 14 - 17 July 2003.

Pitts MK Smith AMA, Grierson J, O'Brien M, Misson S. 'Who pays for sex and why? An analysis of social and motivational factors associated with clients of sex workers', AIDS Impact 2003, Milan, July 7 -10 2003.

Pitts MK 'Non-individual determinants and impact of programmes related to adolescent sexual risk factors: structural and community factors', Structured Discussions on the WHO Child & Adolescent Health and Development ASHR Reviews, World Health Organisation, Geneva, 29-30 January 2003.

Pitts MK. 'Understanding Men's Experience of Urethral Symptoms' Australasian Society for HIV Medicine Conference, October, Sydney, 2002.

Pitts MK. 'A Tale of Three Cities.' Australasian Society for HIV Medicine 2002 Conference, October, Sydney, 2002.

Pitts MK. Smith AMA, Madden A and Fairley C. 'Factors associated with delay in treatment seeking by clients at a sexual health clinic.' 12th IUSTI Asia Pacific Congress on STI, HIV/AIDS, Beijing, 24-27 October 2002.

Pitts MK. and Grierson J. 'Positive reciprocity: researching with HIV positive communities.' Australian Psychological Society Annual Conference, Gold Coast, 2002.

MacPhail C, Campbell C and Pitts MK. 'Operationalizing the Dual Use of Traditional and Western Health Care for STIs and HIV.' Poster presentation XIVth AIDS Congress, Barcelona, 2002.

Pitts MK, Smith AMA, Grierson JW, Mitchell AM, Misson S and Madden A. 'Logging on: The Relationship Between Internet Use and Adverse Sexual Outcomes.' Poster presentation XIVth AIDS Congress, Barcelona, 2002.

Grierson JW, Misson S, Pitts MK, Hurley ME, O'Brien ML and Willis JM. 'Live to tell: disclosure, support and collective identification among PLWHA.' Poster presentation XIVth AIDS Congress, Barcelona, 2002.

McDonald KM, Grierson JW, Hurley ME, Willis JM and Pitts MK. 'Gender differences in antiretroviral uptake and attitude in Australia.' Oral presentation XIVth AIDS Congress, Barcelona, 2002.

Hurley ME, Grierson JW, Willis JM, McDonald KM and Pitts MK. 'HIV positive gay male sex requires new policy and education environments' Oral presentation XIVth AIDS Congress, Barcelona, 2002.

O'Brien ML., Pitts MK and Grierson JW. 'Blood borne viruses and drug using risks for juvenile justice clients: An analysis of interventions and worker practices in Victoria, Australia.' Knowledge and Commitment for Action . Oral presentation XIVth AIDS Congress, Barcelona, 2002.

Pitts MK, Smith AMA, Madden A and Fairley C. 'Triggers and Barriers to Rapid Treatment Seeking by Clients at a Sexual Health Clinic.' Australasian Sexual Health conference, Perth, June 2002.

Pitts MK. 'What can we learn from the numbers: Commentary on HIV in Victoria', AFAO, 30 November 2001.

Pitts MK. 'What can we learn from the numbers?' HIV Subcommittee ANCAHRD, Victorian AIDS Council, 2001.

Pitts MK. 'What can we learn from the numbers: Commentary on HIV in Victoria', HIV update, 15 October 2001.

Pitts MK. 'What can we learn from the numbers?' Invited speaker Peter Meese Memorial Session, Australasian Society of HIV Medicine, Melbourne, October 2001.

Pitts MK. Human Communication Sciences, La Trobe University, 12 September 2001.

Pitts MK. What can we learn from the numbers? ANCAHRD HIV subcommittee, 26 July 2001.

Pitts MK. My life as a health psychologist, College of Health Psychologists, 21 July 2001.

Pitts MK. Cultural factors facilitating or inhibiting HIV transmission in Southern Africa, MacFarlane Burnett, 30 May, 10 July, 22 August 2001.

Pitts MK. The role of ARCSHS in HIV social research in Australia, AFAO/NAPWA Community summit, 14 May 2001.

Pitts MK. Don't forget the sunscreen: The role of evidence in sexuality research, La Trobe University graduation ceremony, 6 April 2001.

Pitts MK. ARCSHS role in public health research in Victoria, Venereology AGM, March 2001.

Pitts MK. Sexuality and Ageing, School of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University, 22 February 2001.

Pitts MK. Sexuality and Ageing: Ageing in the 21st Century Conference, La Trobe University, December 2000.

Pitts MK. Preparing women for colposcopy, 6th International Congress of Behavioural Medicine, Brisbane, 15-18 November 2000.

Pitts MK. The role of traditional healers in diagnosing and treating STIs (Poster presentation) 6th International Congress of Behavioural Medicine, Brisbane, 15-18 November 2000.

Pitts MK. Human Papillomavirus and risks of cervical cancer: What do women know? ARCSHS Seminar Series, 1 November 2000.

Pitts MK. The role of ARCSHS in Hepatitis research, Hepatitis C Conference, Coogee, November 2000.

Pitts MK. The role of ARCSHS in HIV social research, Victorian AIDS Council AGM, October 2000.

Supervised ten Ph.D. students to completion.

HIV/AIDS STI Sub-Committee of Ministerial Advisory Committee on AIDS, Sexual Health and Hepatitis (National).

Ministerial Advisory Committee on Blood-borne and Sexually Transmissible Infections (Victoria).

Management Group (Chair) and Project Steering Group for the Longitudinal Study on the Reproductive Health of Middle Aged and Ageing Men, Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development, Andrology Australia.

Scientific Advisory Committee, National Centre for HIV Social Research, University of New South Wales.

NHMRC Panel Member – Public Health, 2005 and 2006.

Australian Research Council College of Experts, 2006 –

Appointed Chair of Social, Behavioural and Economic Sciences within the Australian Research Council College of Experts, 2008 –

Assessor/reviewer for research grant applications

Australian Research Council

National Health and Medical Research Council

Email: m.pitts@latrobe.edu.au

Phone: +61 (03) 9285 5103

Fax: +61 (03) 9285 5220