The COUNT study is designed to provide robust estimates of the prevalence of HIV and undiagnosed infection among gay and bisexual men and identify factors associated with undiagnosed infection. An earlier version of the study was conducted in 2013 and 2014. In 2018, participants of the Sydney Gay Community Periodic Survey were asked to provide oral fluid specimens for HIV testing.

The samples are sent to the National Reference Laboratory for processing and testing. Participants can provide a sample anonymously or opt to receive their test result (by SMS or phone). Test results will be provided to consenting participants within a month. The data will be used to estimate the level of undiagnosed HIV among gay and bisexual men in New South Wales, to identify risk factors that can be targeted in HIV prevention programs, and to assess progress in meeting targets in the New South Wales HIV Strategy.

Detailed information for people who have already participated in COUNT (PDF) [1005 Kb] 

The above link contains information on:

  • Who is conducting the survey?
  • Inclusion/exclusion criteria
  • What does participation involve, and are there any risks involved?
  • What are the possible benefits of participation?
  • What will happen to information about me? 
  • How and when will I find out what the results of the research study are?
  • What if I want to withdraw from the research study?
  • What should I do if I have further questions?
  • What if I have a complaint or any concerns about the research study?
  • Support and information services
Research Centre

Centre for Social Research in Health

Research Area

HIV and Sexual Health

Undiagnosed HIV infections among gay and bisexual men increasingly contribute to new infections in Australia. (Published in Journal of the International AIDS Society, 2018). http://doi.org/10.1002/jia2.25104

Comparing Australian gay and bisexual men with undiagnosed and recently diagnosed HIV infection to those in the National HIV Registry. (Published in Sexual Health, 2017). http://doi.org/10.1071/SH17064

Declining prevalence of undiagnosed HIV in Melbourne, Australia, 2008-2014: results from community-based bio-behavioural studies of gay and bisexual men. (Published in Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 2017). http://doi.org/10.1111/1753-6405.12708

The prevalence and correlates of undiagnosed HIV among Australian gay and bisexual men: results of a national, community-based, bio-behavioural survey. (Published in Journal of the International AIDS Society, 2015). http://doi.org/10.7448/IAS.18.1.20526

NHMRC Partnership Project Grant

The Kirby Institute
ACON
NSW Ministry of Health
National Serology Reference Laboratory
The Burnet Institute

Related people

Professor, Research Director (Compliance and Capacity Building) Martin Holt
Professor, Research Director (Compliance and Capacity Building)