Getting involved

You can become involved in research which adds to our understanding of how HIV affects people, and how services are provided. The social research methods and approaches often used can be about people’s experiences, or about relevant literature.

HIV Scotland’s current research involvement includes:

  • Why some people lose contact with specialist HIV services after being diagnosed with HIV. Undertaken by the TASC agency on behalf of NHS Health Scotland, it is supported by HIV Scotland. If you or someone you know has found it difficult to engage with specialist services, then TASC’s researchers would like to speak with you. Contact The TASC Agency on 0131 555 3527. myviewsonservices.org
  • HIV Scotland’s work with African community agencies is being researched by Ibrahim Hamani Souley (report due April 2011). There is time to speak with him about your experience as someone who belongs to Scotland’s African communities. HIV Scotland
  • Data collection and reporting in Scotland’s HIV voluntary agencies is an important means of collating vital information. HIV Scotland is doing research into this area. HIV Scotland
  • Belief, faith and culture affect how we respond to HIV. In collaboration with the University of Edinburgh’s Centre of Africa Studies, HIV Scotland plans to research this. Contact HIV Scotland Drug use can affect behaviour and sexual risk-taking. HIV Scotland wants to know more about this interaction and how drug use affects gay men who may use different kinds of drugs for recreational or other purposes. HIV Scotland

Collaborative Research: HIV Scotland supports and advises in a number of research areas. The HIV Action Plan recommended research into loss to follow up (see above), guidance on prevention interventions for MSM and Africans, and the training needs of the HIV workforce. HIV Scotland also sits on the Government’s Research Advisory Group which oversees HIV and sexual health research projects.

Partner organisations and academic institutions occasionally need support in research they are doing. To get involved or for more information, contact HIV Scotland