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Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine barriers and incentives to HIV testing and treatment among gay and bisexual men (GBM) in Tasmania, including the role of stigma and discrimination in discouraging engagement with HIV and sexual health services. In-depth interviews were conducted with 16 men, and the sample included eight HIV-positive
and eight HIV-negative men. Interviews were conducted by Tasmanian Council on AIDS, Hepatitis & Related Diseases (TasCAHRD) staff and peer recruiters during 2016. Participants reported that Hobart’s gay community was small, and only a minority of men reported a sense of connection to this community. Many participants reported experiencing difficulties in forging social connections with other GBM, particularly outside of Hobart. HIV-positive participants reported that there was a stronger sense of a community for HIV-positive men, which provided an important space to discuss HIV treatments and health concerns, as well as give and receive social support. Most participants were satisfied with the care they had
received at sexual health services, and most HIV-positive participants were satisfied with the HIV treatment and support that they were receiving. However, a number of barriers to accessing HIV testing and treatment were identified, including the limited availability of HIV testing and treatment services in Tasmania, concerns about maintaining anonymity and privacy in a small community, and stigma and discrimination towards GBM and people living with HIV. Improving the accessibility and availability of sexual health services and HIV treatment in Hobart and regional Tasmania are crucial to promote the engagement of GBM with HIV testing and treatment.
