The Organising Committees invite all those involved in any aspect of rural sexual health to actively participate by submitting abstracts, either for oral or poster presentation. The selection of contributions will take into account the diversity of presentations, originality, and relevance to conference streams. If you have an idea for a proposal but wish some assistance with writing the abstract, please contact us.

All abstracts will be evaluated and those accepted will be published in the conference booklet.

As only a limited number of oral communications can be accepted, authors are asked to indicate on their form whether they wish their abstract to be considered ONLY for oral or poster presentation or for either option.

DEADLINE FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSION IS 1 JULY 2013

STREAMS (please refer to the specific selection criteria under each of the four conference themes, outlined on the Streams Tab)

The conference will be organised around four main streams

1. Sexually Transmitted Infections prevention, testing and treatment in the rural context
2. Gender and equity as social determinants of sexual health and respectful relationships
3. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sexual health and well-being
4. Sexual health and diversity in the rural context

Abstracts describing project, programs and research that consider the following aspects will be given priority:

• addressing multiple domains across the interpersonal, social and structural level with coordinated and mutually reinforcing strategies
• promoting diversity and challenging discrimination, exclusion and social inequities
• are both theoretically informed and specific and responsive to the local rural context and population
• have been informed by/responsive to local systems and structures, respecting cultural views and practices,and promoting community identified needs and actions
• are focusing effort on those in rural Australia more likely to experience poorer sexual health and well-being lifetime outcomes (including STIs)
• incorporate evaluation and/or critical reflection to contribute to a learning environment
  

PRESENTATION TYPES AND TIMES
Proposals should specify the type of presentation being suggested, noting the following:

Oral
Duration: 15 minutes presentation time and 5 minutes question time

Oral Presentations are on the findings of research, effective and innovative programs or projects, innovative and inclusive service delivery, and community action projects. Presenters are encouraged to submit presentations that will be stimulating, engaging, challenging, and fresh. Contributions can be oral presentations but other styles of presentations (visual / creative / cultural etc) are also welcome.

Poster presentation
Proposals not accepted for an oral presentation will be considered for display as a poster. Please refer to the Poster Guidelines.

Workshops/panel discussions/yarning circles
Duration: 90 - 120 minutes in total

The conference format will also include workshops, panel discussions and yarning circles. These are interactive sessions that allow for shared learning or more in-depth group discussion of a topic. They may involve 4 - 5 speakers where the presenters will share their perspectives or work on a related topic. There is considerable time for questions and discussion. The Conference organising committee will determine the abstracts selected for these interactive sessions.

PREPARING YOUR ABSTRACT
The presenting author is expected to attend the conference and present the poster or oral presentation. Presenting authors of abstracts must be registered participants. Only abstracts of authors, who have paid their registration fees by 29th July, 2013 will be scheduled for presentation and included in the Final Programme.

The presenting author is required to ensure that all co-authors are aware of the content of the abstract before submission. The presenting author should her/himself collect the co-authors’ consent.

Before you begin your online submission, please prepare the following information:

• Presenting Author's Contact Details including email address, full postal address, daytime and mobile numbers
• Author and Co-authors' Details including full first and family name(s), Affiliation details: department, institution/hospital, city, state , country.
• Abstract – Limited to 300 words, including acknowledgements. (Please Note: word count is affected when graphs/tables/images are included, therefore do not include these in your abstract.) We recommend using word-processing software (for example, MS Word) for editing your abstract and counting the number of words.
• Abstracts must be submitted in MS Word format i.e. .doc or .docx using the ABSTRACT TEMPLATE available HERE
• Use only standard abbreviations. Place special or unusual abbreviations in parentheses next to the full word appearing first time in the text.
• Abstract Category – Abstracts must be allocated to a specific stream. You will need to select the stream most suited to your abstract. The conference organising committee reserve the right to move abstracts between streams if deemed appropriate or necessary.
  

ABSTRACT FORMAT

Background and Aims - give the rationale for and broad objective of the study or project undertaken.

Methods - include design of the study or the approach taken, the setting (where) and participant numbers if appropriate.

Results – outline the specific outcomes or results, including numerical data rather than vague statements for quantitative studies, and significant findings of qualitative or descriptive studies.

Conclusions – Include knowledge or insight that conference attendees will gain from the presentation, explanation of how conference attendees can apply the skills and/or knowledge within their communities and how the study contributes to evidence-based knowledge.