Relationships study
This page provides some information about a research project currently being conducted by researchers at the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University, and the Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity in Society at the University of New South Wales.The researchers are currently recruiting men in Cairns, Brisbane, regional New South Wales and Central Victoria for a 60 minute interview.
Description of the Project
Sexual health advice for gay men usually focuses on sexual behaviours rather than intimate relationships, and there is a perception that gay men rarely maintain monogamous relationships. In fact, researchers know relatively little about the meanings and practice of monogamy in gay men’s lives, including the different ways in which ‘open’ relationships might work for men in such relationships.
In this project, men are being interviewed about their experiences and preferences with regard to monogamy in gay relationships. Questions cover:
- Your relationship history and experiences of monogamous and/or ‘open’ relationships
- Your thoughts on monogamy, non-monogamy or preference for being single
- How an ‘open’ relationship works
- Your perception of how monogamy and ‘open’ relationships are thought about in gay community
- And, whether HIV and other STIs play a part in shaping your preferences for monogamy or relationships
Who is eligible to participate?
- Men in relationships (monogamous or ‘open’ relationships)
- Single men looking for relationships
- Single men who prefer being single
What is involved?
Participation involves being interviewed by a trained researcher at a suitable venue. The interview will take about 60 minutes and be audio-recorded, but your details and any identifying information related to you or your partners will be altered to ensure your anonymity. Details of you participation will be kept strictly confidential.
Your contribution will greatly help to improve understandings of gay men’s relationships and sexual practices and inform STI and HIV prevention health promotion activities.
How can I participate?
You can call Duane on (03) 9285 5352, or email d.duncan@latrobe.edu.au to ask for more information or arrange an interview.
What will happen to my information?
The information you provide may be used in presentations at conferences and academic publications, but you will never be identified in any way. All tapes and transcripts resulting from your participation in the interview will be securely stored in filing cabinets and on password-protected computers. Only members of the small research team will have access to the interview tapes. The recording of your interview and transcript will be kept for five years by the Investigators. At the end of five years the audio-recoding and transcript will be electronically deleted and any hard copies carefully disposed of. At any time, you may request a copy of any personal information about you. If you wish to receive a copy of the results of the study, you can give your name and address to the Investigator.
This study has been funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council. Any questions about this project may be directed to the Chief Investigator:
Professor Anthony Smith
Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University
215 Franklin St, Melbourne, 3000
Ph: (03) 9285 5382, Email: anthony.smith@latrobe.edu.au
If you have any complaints or queries that the Chief Investigator has not been able to answer to your satisfaction, you may contact the Secretary, Human Ethics Committee, Research Services, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086, ph: (03) 9479 1443, e-mail: humanethics@latrobe.edu.au.
There are no disadvantages, penalties or adverse consequences for not participating or for withdrawing prematurely from the research. You have the right to withdraw from active participation in this project at anytime and, further, to demand that data arising from your participation are not used in the research project provided this right is exercised within four weeks of the completion of your participation in the project. You are asked to complete the “Withdrawal of Consent Form” or to notify the investigator by email or telephone that you wish to withdraw your consent for your data to be used in this research project.
Chief Investigator:
Professor Anthony Smith
ARCSHS, La Trobe University
215 Franklin St, Melbourne, 3000
Ph: (03) 9285 5382
Email: anthony.smith@latrobe.edu.au
Investigators:
Associate Professor Garrett Prestage
ARCSHS, La Trobe University
215 Franklin St, Melbourne, 3000
Ph: (03) 9285 5291
Email: g.prestage@latrobe.edu.au
Dr Jeffrey Grierson
ARCSHS, La Trobe University
215 Franklin St, Melbourne, 3000
Ph: (03) 9285 5356
Email: j.grierson@latrobe.edu.au
Dr Duane Duncan
ARCSHS, La Trobe University
215 Franklin St, Melbourne, 3000
Ph: (03) 9285 5352
Email: d.duncan@latrobe.edu.au
