Estimating the probability of HIV risk in MSM donor policies through biobehavioural and mathematical modelling studies

This project will generate new data and better risk forecasting to help guide Canadian blood donor policies. Using a large-scale, 3-city study of HIV-negative gay and bisexual men, we will determine the number of new cases of HIV among men who are not eligible to donate blood. We will also ask participants about their understanding and acceptance of different, personal questions about their sexual history that could be used to screen out donors who are likely to be HIV-positive. Using these data and other data across Ontario, we will use computer simulations to forecast the chances of missing an HIVpositive donation if we use the screening questions from the large-scale study. This project will provide the first Canadian data to determine which donor deferral policy is most appropriate when considering blood donations from gay and bisexual men in order to protect the blood supply.

HART, Trevor

Toronto Metropolitan University

MSM Research Grant Program

Ontario

$452,500