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Attitudes towards HIV infection and sexual risk behaviour

A survey among Danish men 16-55 years of age

K. Schmidt, Statens Seruminstitut, Dept. of Epidemiology, Address for offprints: Kirsten Schmidt Statens seruminstitut Amager Boulevard 80 DK-2300 Copenhagen Denmark

A. Krasnik

University of Copenhagen, Institute of Social Medicine, Copenhagen

E. Brendstrup

Statens Seruminstitut, Dept. of Epidemiology

H. Zoffmann

Statens Seruminstitut, Dept. of Epidemiology

S.O. Larsen

Statens Seruminstitut, Dept. of Biostatistics

To describe attitudes towards HIV infection in relation to sexual risk behaviour and sociodemographic factors in a representative sample of Danish men 16-55 years of age, a self-administered anonymous questionnaire was distributed in connection with a personal health interview and returned by prepaid mail. The response rate was 55%, corresponding to 1,155 participants.

In contrast to the official AIDS prevention strategy, 28% of the participants stated that HIV infected persons should be forbidden to have sexual relationships, and 44% that they should be registered by the authorities. 33% of the participants had had sexual behaviour which may be associated with increased risk of HIV infection: more than one female partner during the previous 12 months, sexual contact with prostitutes or sex with other men. Despite good basic knowledge of AIDS, only 41-59% of these men perceived themselves at risk, and only 47-54% of men perceiving themselves at risk had adopted risk-reducing sexual behaviour. The results indicate a need for innovative health education of the general public about AIDS prevention at community and individual level.

In the absence of effective treatment and without prospect of a vaccine in the near future the prevention of AIDS must focus on modifying behaviour associated with increased risk of HIV infection, in particular sexual behaviour.

Key Words: HIV infection • general public • knowledge • attitudes.

Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, Vol. 17, No. 4, 281-286 (1989)
DOI: 10.1177/140349488901700405


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