Introduction

Dear friend,

You may have heard about this study from friends, seen our promotional material, come across our web-site while surfing, or been referred by someone you know to participate in our study.

Who are we, and what is our study about?

We are a group of researchers from Tan Tock Seng Hospital, DSC Clinic and the National University of Singapore who, in partnership with Action for AIDS and Fridae.com, have started a study to understand the sexual practices and behaviors amongst homosexual and gay men in Singapore.

The study also aims to determine the prevalence of HIV and syphilis infection amongst homosexual/gay men in Singapore.

Why is this study important?

As you might know, homosexual/gay men are at higher risk of infection with HIV. Recent data from multiple countries have shown a dramatic increase in the number of homosexual men who are getting infected across Asia. Data collected in this study
will help us to plan and improve HIV and sexually transmitted disease prevention and treatment programs for homosexual/gay men in Singapore.

How does the study work?

The study involves collecting survey data from homosexual/gay men, and a small quantity of blood for HIV and syphilis testing. Participants can choose to know their blood test results if they want to.

Participants can join the study as one of the initial "seeds", who then refers other homosexual/gay men that he knows to join the study. Participants referred to the study can in turn refer other participants. This chain referral process then allows us to recruit a large enough number of homosexual/gay men for us to get a picture of the average behavior of homosexual/gay men in Singapore.

Note that no identifying information is collected, and all participants remain completely anonymous to the researchers.

How can I participate?

You may have been referred to our study by someone you know who has already participated. If so, just follow the information on the cards given to you.

Alternatively, you may have been approached to be a "seed" for our study. A "seed" is the person who starts the chain of referrals. If so, just click here for our contact.

How can I know more about this study?

Additional information for participants of the study can be found in here. You can also contact us to find out more!