COMbination Prevention Approaches for reducing Sexually transmitted infectionS (COMPASS)

The COMPASS project is about understanding what gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM, including trans men and non-binary people assigned male at birth) think about different tools and approaches for preventing bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In the last few years, new tools for preventing STIs have become available – including doxyPEP for syphilis prevention and the Bexsero vaccine for gonorrhoea. These new tools supplement other, longstanding tools like STI testing and treatment, partner notification and condoms, and other strategies that people might adopt.

We want to understand what GBMSM actually think about all the different options for preventing STIs and how they are using them or would like to be using them with different types of sexual partners. This information will help us to build a more up-to-date and community-informed picture of the combinations of prevention tools that might be most effective and acceptable for reducing STIs among GBMSM, as well as inform STI policy.

 Eligibility criteria

• GBMSM, including trans men and AMAB non-binary people
• Able to attend an in-person workshop in East London
• Based in or around London
• Particularly interested in individuals who may benefit most from STI prevention tools, including those with multiple sexual partners and/or who use hook-up apps (e.g. Grindr, Scruff, Sniffies), go cruising, or attend gay saunas, bathhouses, or other sex-on-premises venues
• We aim to prioritise voices that are less often represented in research and underserved by sexual health services, focusing on two groups in particular:
  
  • GBMSM from racially minoritised communities
  • GBMSM aged 18-25 years
• Prior STI experience is not required

Proposed activities and outputs for participants

• Attend a single in-person workshop lasting approximately two hours
• Discuss sexual health decisions, experiences, and perceptions of STI prevention tools
• Share insights about sexual relationships, sexual health choices, and experiences with services
• Contributions will inform:
  
  • Public health advice and strategies for STI prevention tailored to GBMSM communities
  • Policy and planning regarding the use and acceptability of combination STI prevention tools

Remuneration

• £55 in vouchers for attending the workshop (£27.50 per hour for two hours)
• £20 reimbursement for travel expenses

Workshop logistics

• Dates: 13 and 14 April 2026
• Times: 6-8pm
• Location: The LoveTank office in Bethnal Green, London
• The workshops will be divided into two groups according to eligibility focus (racially minoritised GBMSM; GBMSM aged 18-25). Participants who feel they meet both criteria can indicate their preference.

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Register your interest in participating in this project here: COMbination Prevention Approaches for reducing Sexually transmitted infectionS (COMPASS)

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Contact information

• Dr Liz Fearon, University College London, 311 Mortimer Market Centre, London, WC1E 6JB, e.fearon@ucl.ac.uk
• Dr Luxsena Sukumaran, University College London, Royal Free Hospital, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, luxsena.sukumaran.19@ucl.ac.uk
• Dr Roeann Osman, University College London, 311 Mortimer Market Centre, London, WC1E 6JB, roeann.osman.20@ucl.ac.uk

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