Sexual behaviour in the face of risk : preliminary results from first AIDS-related surveys

Preliminary results are presented from nationally representative surveys of the adult populations of five African countries, conducted in 1989 and 1990. General awareness of AIDS was high, as was knowledge of sexual transmission. In four of the five surveys, large proportions, from 25 to 64 per cent, of both men and women perceived themselves to have a high or moderate risk of HIV infection. High proportions also reported that they had modified their behaviour typically by more care in selecting partners or greater faithfulness. Greater use of condoms was mentioned rarely. The results, particularly on behavioural change, should not be interpreted literally. But the fact that so many report modification of behaviour at least suggests a willingness to contemplate the need for change. The prognosis would have been much worse, had these surveys indicated widespread denial of risk and unwillingness to consider changes in behaviour