WAAC is committed to evidence-informed practice. The research we are involved with helps shape better health outcomes, challenge stigma, and amplify the voices of the communities we serve.
Peer-led Contact Tracing
Health Equity Matters
This project aims to trial and evaluate a new model for HIV contact tracing that leverages peers to improve the experience of those newly diagnosed with HIV. Scheduled to run for six months in early 2025. WAAC will be supporting the project through the provision of peers to work as part of the larger team of peers across the country that provide the service. The M Clinic will also be participating by informing clients who have been diagnosed with HIV about this option for contact tracing should they wish to utilise it.
Hep C POCT
The Kirby Institute
This project aims to scale up hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA testing in settings serving high-risk populations. The WAAC Fremantle NSEP are working collaboratively with South Terrace Clinic to participate in this program. Training of NSEP staff occurred in October 2024 and the project is currently live.
SCIP (M Clinic trial site).
Kids Institute
This study examines the safety and tolerability of a single subcutaneous injection of Benzathine Penicillin G (BPG) instead of the current three-dose regimen over three weeks. M Clinic will be a trial site for the new treatment. Ethics approval has been granted, and the trial is expected to commence in early 2025.
Optima HIV testing mix
Health Equity Matters
This research will explore strategies to address HIV testing needs in Australia through modelling, expert analysis and consensus building. The findings from this work will inform discussions with the Department of Health and Aged Care for new investment in the 2025/26 federal budget. To support this project, M Clinic have provided data, and the CEO sits on the Advisory Group.
Understanding the personal and healthcare experiences of bi+ and straight MSM
Centre for Social Research in Health
This research is a follow-up to the National MSM survey. This research will involve qualitative research involving interviews with bi+ and straight MSM. The aims are to explore in-depth questions about engagement with healthcare services, HIV/STI prevention, sex/relationships, and how participants negotiate sexual identity and disclosure. WAAC provided feedback on interview guide and supported recruitment in August 2024. Six-Month Report for Period: July 1 to December 31, 2024 Page 116 of 117
Optimising PozQoL Implementation
Australian Research Centre in Sex Health and Society
This research is in the conceptual stages. The proposed research aims to identify, support and evaluate strategies to optimise the implementation of PozQoL in clinical and community settings. WAAC attended a preliminary meeting to guide the development of the project and provided verbal feedback on draft project synopsis.
Community controlled portal for HIV stigma complaints
Centre for Social Research in Health
This research will inform the development, implementation, and evaluation of a community-controlled complaints portal where people living with HIV can share stories of their experiences. The deidentified information collected through the portal will be used by advocacy groups to raise awareness about stigma in healthcare. The CEO participated in an interview to inform design.
LeNS study
UNSW
LeNS (Legal Needs Survey) is a national study focused on life, health, and legal experiences for people living with HIV or hepatitis B in Australia. WAAC has led recruitment of WA participants (over 30). Interviews commenced in May 2024 have been ongoing.
Enhanced Advance Care Planning and Life Review Longitudinal Intervention
UNSW
EARLI is a project that enables people living with HIV to engage in life story work and advance care planning. WAAC is assisting with recruitment which commenced in November.
National Elder Abuse Research Program
Australian Institute of Family Studies
This project aims to investigate abuse and mistreatment of LGBTIQA+ older people, including the nature and dynamics of this abuse and mistreatment, the characteristics of people experiencing or engaging in abuse and mistreatment in this context, the effects of abuse on older LGBTIQA+ people and any help seeking and actions. WAAC promoted the research via its newsletter to PLWH.
Normalising Testing
The “Normalising Testing Project” by Health Equity Matters is an initiative aimed at making HIV testing more commonplace in Australian general practice settings, particularly by promoting the idea of “opt-out” testing where a clinician routinely offers an HIV test to patients unless they actively decline, thus reducing stigma and increasing early detection rates, especially among populations not typically considered high risk. WAAC provides feedback and input into the protocols and perspectives from WA as part of the Steering Committee.
La Trobe Australian Survey of Secondary Students and Sexual Health Six-Month Report for Period: July 1 to December 31, 2024 Page 117 of 117
The project is a national study exploring the sexual health and well-being of Australian adolescents. WAAC recruits participants through the Health Promotion team’s outreach efforts at events and through educational workshops.
DoxyAWARE study
The DoxyAWARE study, led by Melbourne Sexual Health Centre and Monash University, is a national survey exploring awareness, uptake, and attitudes towards Doxy-PEP (doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis) for sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. The study aims to understand community knowledge, acceptability, and potential barriers to Doxy-PEP use, informing future sexual health strategies. Conducted in collaboration with health organisations across Australia (including M Clinic) and internationally, the study seeks to shape STI prevention policies and practices.
Other research projects
- Student project: PrEP awareness among sub-Saharan migrant women. A scoping review is being prepared for publication and support provided to run focus groups. Supervised by Daniel Vujcich.
- Student project: HIV self-testing as part of partner notification in low and middle-income
- Interviews and focus groups have been conducted and data are being analysed. Supervised by Daniel Vujcich.
- Estimates of HIV RNA testing and HIV viral suppression among those diagnosed with HIV in Australia, a weighted analysis of ACCESS surveillance data. Burnett Institute, ACCESS project. Data provided.
- The population effectiveness of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in elimination of transmission of HIV in gay and bisexual men in Australia. Kirby Institute, ACCESS project. Data provided.
- Doxycycline as first line treatment for chlamydia in Australia: has there been a change in practice? Burnet Institute and University of Melbourne, ACCESS project. Data provided.
- Optimal HIV testing mix. Burnet Institute. ACCESS project. Data provided.
- Trends in gonorrhoea testing and incidence among gay and bisexual men in Australia by HIV status and PrEP use, 2014-2023. Burnet Institute. ACCESS project. Data provided.