Rate My Professor Ashleigh de Gouw

Ashleigh de Gouw is an Assistant Research Fellow in the HIV Epidemiology Group within the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine at the University of Otago's Dunedin School of Medicine. She commenced her university studies at the University of Otago with an undergraduate degree in Anatomy, during which she developed a profound interest in public health. In 2020, she completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health and joined the HIV Epidemiology Group shortly thereafter, establishing her career in epidemiological research focused on infectious diseases in Aotearoa New Zealand.

De Gouw has made notable contributions to HIV research through collaborative publications that analyze surveillance data and health outcomes. In 2023, she co-authored "HIV in women in Aotearoa New Zealand: 25 years of surveillance data," examining trends over a quarter-century among female populations. Also in 2023, her work featured in "Late presentation of HIV infection among adults in New Zealand from 2011 to 2020," published in the International Journal of STD & AIDS. This study reviewed 1,145 diagnoses, revealing that 40.5% involved late presentation, with a quarter showing advanced disease; heterosexual men and women faced a 55% late diagnosis rate compared to 36% for men who have sex with men, and non-European gay and bisexual men were disproportionately affected. The findings emphasize the necessity for enhanced testing awareness, culturally safe services, and opportunistic screening in clinical settings to curb transmission and improve health outcomes. Furthermore, in 2022, she contributed to "Quality of life in people living with HIV in Aotearoa New Zealand: an exploratory cross-sectional study," investigating well-being factors for those living with the virus. Her research supports public health strategies addressing stigma, access barriers, and timely diagnosis in New Zealand's diverse communities.