Yes, it’s that time of year again - Terrence Higgins Trust and Sigma Research want to know all about what you get up to in the sack!  This year’s Gay Men’s Sex Survey is now online and can be completed by logging onto www.sigmasurvey.org.uk

The Survey is carried out by Sigma Research as part of the CHAPS Partnership’s health promotion work with gay men. Peter Weatherburn, Director at Sigma Research said: “Please take the time to tell us about your life - the questionnaire only takes ten minutes to complete, and you’ll be participating in what is probably the single largest survey of gay men anywhere in the world!”

Will Nutland, Head of Gay Men’s Health Promotion at THT said: “The survey is a vital part of our work in providing information and advice on HIV prevention and sexual health promotion for gay men. It’s only made possible by the participation of over 15,000 men each year.” 

For the first time, this year’s survey includes questions about HIV vaccines, microbicides and gay men’s use of GP surgeries and primary care services. Will Nutland explained: “We have broadened the survey to find out more about gay men’s attitudes towards a variety of issues which are relevant to sexual health.  For instance, the Government’s National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV advocates that more sexual health services should be delivered through GPs and primary care settings, rather than just at GUM and hospital clinics.

However not all gay men have or regularly visit a GP, and some have a mistrust of GPs.  By including these questions, we hope to build up a clearer picture of gay men’s attitudes towards and knowledge of other relevant issues.”

The survey can be completed online until the end of September, and is also available in booklet form from gay venues across the UK. 

Ends

Notes to editors

The survey covers the following areas:

• Age, income, area of residence
• Number of sexual partners in the past year
• Incidence of unprotected sex
• Knowledge of the biology of HIV transmission - the circumstances in which it’s easier for HIV to be passed on
• Knowledge of and attitudes towards HIV vaccines, microbicides and home testing kits for HIV
• Use of GPs and other health services
• Recognition of various HIV prevention and sexual health promotion materials from the last year