Behavioural surveillance among gay men in Australia: methods, findings and policy implications for the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmissible infections.

The article presents a review of the repeated cross-sectional Gay Community Periodic Surveys (GCPS) which is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmissible infection (STI) behavioural surveillance system in Australia. The design, history and methodology of the GCPS are tackled. The review found that about 90% of gay men have undergone HIV testing. It also found an increase in unprotected anal intercourse with regular (UAIR) and casual (UAIC) sex partners over time. According to the authors, the findings suggest that investment in systematic behavioural surveillance improves understanding of the HIV epidemic and HIV prevention strategy.