As New HIV Diagnoses Increase, MORI Poll Shows A Long Way To Go On Safer Sex Message
Around one in 14 adults are having unsafe sex when entering a new relationship according to a MORI opinion poll published for the Terrence Higgins Trust
Only a quarter of adults in England say the presence of HIV and AIDS has made them change their lifestyle in some way. And a worrying 23% agree that they do not know enough about the risks of HIV and AIDS, with 15 - 24 year olds much more likely to agree than 25 - 34 year olds (25% against 14%), suggesting a much greater need for communication with today's young adults.
The findings also show that 85% of people think there is still a great deal of stigma around the disease.
The research comes as figures reveal the number of HIV infections newly diagnosed reached their highest annual total in 1998.
It also coincides with the relaunch of the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT). As a result of its merger with four regional HIV and AIDS charities in England earlier this month, THT is now the biggest charity of its kind in Europe providing advice, information and care services.
"It is clear from this significant piece of research that the public shows some understanding of HIV and how it is transmitted. However, there remains an enormous amount of work to be done to translate knowledge into action," said Nick Partridge, chief executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust.
"There is a definite need for on-going safer sex campaigns to encourage more widespread and consistent change in sexual behaviour. At the same time, we must carry on fighting to reduce the fear and stigma which still surrounds HIV and AIDS. As a national organisation, the Terrence Higgins Trust will continue to conduct safer sex campaigns and work to enable people with HIV to live in a stigma-free society."
The presence of HIV and AIDS and its impact on behaviour has been most significant in the youngest age range surveyed, the 15 to 24 group, where 43% said they had changed their lifestyle in some way. However, they are much more likely to than 25 - 34s to say they do not know enough about the risks.
Men are more likely to use a condom than women in a new relationship (56% against 49%) or expect their partner to do so, but women are more likely not to enter a new relationship (28% for men against 38% for women).
When asked about HIV testing, 11% would insist that a potential long-term partner be tested for HIV. The same percentage would ask a potential long-term partner to be tested but leave the decision up to them and 10% say they would have a test themselves in those circumstances.
Commenting on the research, Dr Barry Evans, consultant epidemiologist at the AIDS and STD centre of the Public Health Laboratory Service, said:
"These results suggest a worrying lack of change in sexual behaviour with just 44% of those practising casual sex saying HIV/AIDS has made them change their lifestyle. In view of the fact that the number of people living with HIV in the UK continues to rise, this is cause for concern."
"The number of HIV infections newly diagnosed actually increased during 1998 to 2,828 - the highest annual total ever recorded. There is clearly a continuing need to educate people on the risks of HIV and encourage safer sexual practices."
On April 1, 1999, the Terrence Higgins Trust merged with four regional HIV and AIDS charities in England to form the biggest charity of its kind in Europe. They are THT Oxfordshire (formerly OXAIDS and based in Oxford), THT Midlands (formerly The HIV Network, based in Coventry), THT Yorkshire (formerly Bridgeside based in Leeds) and THT South (formerly the Sussex AIDS Centre, based in Brighton and West Sussex).
Technical details
The MORI research on attitudes to HIV and AIDS was carried out for the Terrence Higgins Trust between March 5 and 22, 1999. It involved face-to-face interviews with 2,173 adults aged 15 and over at 158 sampling points throughout England.
