SHARE: Sexual Health Awareness and Risk-reduction among HEterosexual populations in Australia

he SHARE study is designed to assess current awareness, attitudes, and behaviours related to HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention among heterosexual populations in Australia. Although heterosexual populations have historically been considered lower risk for HIV, they remain vulnerable to STIs, and recent epidemiological data indicate rising STI rates among women and young people, highlighting gaps in prevention strategy uptake. The study specifically aims to characterize HIV and STI testing behaviours and evaluate knowledge of HIV prevention strategies, including Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and HIV self-testing. It also assesses awareness, attitudes, and prior use of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxyPEP), and potential interest in discussing novel prevention strategies with healthcare providers. The results from this research are intended to update evidence, inform clinical guidelines, and support more tailored and effective STI prevention efforts and improved sexual health services in Australia.