Changes in sexual practices and some HIV related attitudes in New Zealand: 1987-9

Two fully national samples of 1000 New Zealanders aged 16-60 were interviewed in 1987 and in 1989 about their sexual practices and related attitudes to HIV/AIDS matters. The data were gathered by means of a self completed questionnaire which was part of a larger interview undertaken in the respondents' own homes. Precautions were taken to ensure confidentiality, anonymity and privacy. There were significant differences in the reporting of sexual behaviour during the two year study period. The proportion of the sexually active reporting three or more sex partners in the previous year fell from 12% to 8%. The proportion reporting "always" or "often" using condoms rose from 13% to 18% and those reporting permanent changes to sexual behaviour because of AIDS rose from 16% to 26%. Changes towards safer sexual practices were more common amongst males, the young, the unmarried and those with multiple sex partners. Findings concerning attitudes to HIV/AIDS related matters showed an increase in the population's perceived risk of the virus to both themselves and others. For example the proportion who felt everyone was at risk rose from 71% in 1987 to 80% in 1989. There was also evidence of increased victim blaming of the person who caught HIV infection or other sexually transmitted diseases. Finally there was evidence of the need for more action on AIDS. In 1987 35% felt that enough was being done whereas this had dropped to 27% by 1989.