HIV Futures report to launch early next year

November 12, 2007

HIV Futures report to launch early next year

Findings from New Zealand’s largest comprehensive study into the health and social experiences of people living with HIV will be reported in early 2008, say researchers.

261 people have been surveyed for HIV Futures NZ 2, a joint project led by the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University, Melbourne, and run in collaboration with the New Zealand AIDS Foundation and HIV positive peer support organisations nationwide.

Basic analysis of the data has collected been conducted and the report is now being prepared. “The survey is an extensive one and all findings need to be checked and then contextualised to ensure that they are not misinterpreted,” says project leader Dr Jeffrey Grierson. “Contacts with key stake holders are to take place over the next four weeks, after which the report will be finalised.”

Researchers had originally hoped the report would be launched by the end of 2007. “We extended the recruitment period for the survey to ensure that as many people as possible had an opportunity to participate in this important survey, and this pushed the dates back somewhat,” Dr Grierson says. “Given this project only happens once every five years, it is critical that we ensure that all reporting of the findings is accurate and clearly interpreted.”

HIV Futures collects information on all aspects of living with HIV, including the effectiveness of treatments, social isolation, relationships, employment, housing and finances. The last study was held in 2002, and researchers are keen to identify whether needs highlighted in the last report have been addressed.

ENDS

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