[Finland's attitude to HIV-infection--a 5-year follow-up study]

Changes in the Finns' knowledge of attitudes to and behaviour in connection with HIV infection between 1986 and 1990 were studied. In 1986, 1013 Finns aged 15 to 64 years were chosen at random from the entire population. During the years 1987-1990, about 1900 more Finns were selected in the same way. All subjects were interviewed at home or by telephone, using a structured questionnaire. Knowledge of modes of transmission of HIV infection, of the test method, and of where testing could be done was good. Knowledge of the proven modes of transmission of HIV improved significantly between 1986 and 1990. Misconceptions decreased over the same period. Many Finns changed their behaviour because of the risk of HIV infection during this period. For example, 75 per cent informed themselves about AIDS, 9 per cent increased their use of condoms, and 6 per cent had themselves tested for HIV. The improvement in knowledge of AIDS, the change in behaviour, and decrease in the number of cases of HIV detected in Finland, all occurred after widespread public discussion and nationwide information campaigns. It was therefore concluded that the knowledge of AIDS increased, and the behaviour of the general public changed as a result of providing information.