RSPH workshops and seminars

Banwell, C., Leach, L., LaBond, C., Doan, T., Olsen, A., Smith, J., Kharis, R. Can I Have Some (More) Please? Tips on writing qualitative research grant applications for quantitative researchers in population health. Presentation for Data Analytics in Population Health lunchtime seminar, Research School of Population Health, ANU. Thursday, September 10, 2020.

Outreach and engagement

Ruth Kharis, as a Dietitians Association of Australia representative, participated in the International Confederation of Dietetic Association’s Sustainable Food Systems workshop (online), September 1, 2020.

Ruth Kharis, as a Public Health Association of Australia representative, participated in the ACT Food Regulation Reference Group, September 2, 2020.

Student news

Mod, Abhirat. “Sharenting”, ANU Three Minute Thesis Competition, Finalist. 4 September, 2020, Australian National University.

Papers accepted/published:

Jirattikorn A,Tangmunkongvorakul, A Musumari, P. Ayuttacorn, A; Srithanaviboonchai, K. Banwell, C. Kelly, M.  Sexual Risk Behaviours and HIV Knowledge and Beliefs of Shan Migrants from Myanmar Living with HIV in Chiang Mai, Thailand” International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care. Accepted for publication 30 Sept. 2020

High numbers of Shan people migrate from Myanmar to Chiang Mai in search of better living conditions. This paper is the first to study the way of life, sexual behaviour and HIV Knowledge and Beliefs of Shan Migrants from Myanmar Living with HIV in Thailand. Using a qualitative study, we conducted in-depth interviews in 2017 with 43 HIV-infected Shan migrants (21 males and 22 females), and 29 healthcare providers who work in district hospitals in Chiang Mai. We found that social and economic vulnerability associated with migration, and AIDS-related mortality, increased migrants’ likelihood of having multiple serial partners. Confusion about HIV symptoms, stigmatization of HIV positive women and low risk perceptions, particularly among men, increased their risk behaviours. We conclude that intervention programs for the community that address gender issues and cultural beliefs are urgently needed for Shan migrants.