Attitudes towards HIV infection and sexual risk behaviour: A survey among Danish men 16-55 years of age
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
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.
Original language | English |
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Book series | Scandinavian Journal of Public Health |
Volume | 17 |
Issue number | 4 |
Pages (from-to) | 281-286 |
Number of pages | 6 |
ISSN | 1403-4948 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 1989 |
- attitudes, general public, HIV infection, knowledge
Research areas
ID: 202293271