Public Attitudes Towards HIV

Findings from this Ipsos survey suggest there is a declining knowledge among the British public with regards to HIV infection and personal risk. While most people are able to identify that sex without a condom between a man and a woman (79%) and between two men (79%), are possible ways HIV is transmitted these proportions represent declines from 2000 (from 91% and 88% respectively, in 2000). Knowledge is particularly low in London despite the higher prevalence of HIV in the capital.

Condoms are used by the majority (so it is claimed) when with a new sexual partner but not consistently -- less than half (46%) say they would always use a condom. New couples in a sexual relationship only rarely report being tested for HIV before they stop using condoms - STI and HIV testing would evidently only happen among one in ten of those who have had a new sexual partner in the last two years before they stop using condoms.

The Ipsos survey also revealed that while perceived HIV related stigma and discrimination remains high, it has declined from the levels of five years ago.

• In general fewer people believe that those infected with HIV through sex without a condom "have only themselves to blame" than five years ago (44% in 2005 compared to 57% in 2000).

Further, the survey shows a majority are aware of and support the rights of people living with HIV in the workplace.

• Over half the people surveyed said they would feel comfortable working with someone living with HIV (57% overall and 63% of under 55s).
• Two in three people (65%) are aware that it is illegal to discriminate against someone living with HIV at work.

However, some people continue to hold more negative views about people living with HIV:

• 7% of people believe that people living with HIV don't deserve the same kind of support as people with cancer.
• 14% overall did not know whether or not they would feel comfortable working with a colleague who had HIV - and a further 12% expressly disagreed.

Technical details

The Ipsos survey comprised in-home face-to-face interviews with 2,048 adults aged 15+ throughout Great Britain. The sample is nationally representative and interviews were conducted in 200 sampling points between 17-22 November 2005. Results were weighted to the GB population profile in terms of gender, age, region and work status.