Modifications of sexual behaviour related to AIDS: a survey in Paris region

A survey on the effects of AIDS upon sexual behaviour has been carried out, in December 1987, in a representative sample (n = 900) of the population of 18 years of age and over of the Paris region. Among the sexually active population, 13.8% have been tested for HIV at least once in 1987, 10.7% denied some opportunity of sexual intercourse during the last 6 months of 1987 because of fear of AIDS, and 11.8% declared regular utilization of condoms. 53.4% of condom users are new users since the last 6 months, and, 46.6% of all condom users are mainly motivated by fear of AIDS. Multivariate analysis shows that being single, declaring multiple sexual partners and having being tested for HIV are the main predictors for use of condoms, suggesting adoption of a rather coherent preventive behaviour in a significant fraction of the sexually 'at risk' population.