Knowledge of AIDS and related behavior change among unmarried adults in a low-prevalence city

Interviews regarding AIDS knowledge and related behavior change were conducted with a random sample of 409 unmarried individuals 18-39 years of age in Richmond, Virginia, between March 18 and April 3, 1987. Eight percent of the sample described themselves as "gay" or "bisexual," 92% as "heterosexual" (or "straight"). Key variables were knowledge of AIDS and HIV testing, level of concern for self, and changes in sexual behavior. Sixty-five percent of sexually active nonmonogamous individuals reported changing their behavior because of concern about AIDS; an additional 8% reported that they were already being careful. Fifty-two percent of those who changed their behavior reported having fewer sexual partners, and 51% were learning more about potential partners than before the AIDS crisis. Thirty-seven percent were using condoms to minimize risk. The level of concern for self was strongly associated with behavior change; of sexually active nonmonogamous individuals who were "very concerned" for themselves, 80% reported changes in sexual behavior. A multiple linear regression analysis indicated that three independent variables with significant F scores explained 17% of the variance in behavior change; the amount of knowledge about AIDS did not distinguish between those who had changed and those who had not. The level of concern was the most influential independent variable, explaining 12% of the variance.