Knowledge of AIDS in Papua New Guinea

A survey of AIDS knowledge and condom-related attitudes and behaviours was conducted among 896 randomly selected men and women in and around Lae, Goroka, Mt Hagen and a rural area of Madang. While 93% of those interviewed were familiar with the disease name, only 3% demonstrated adequate knowledge of modes of transmission and prevention. Condom acceptance, in theory, appears high, but must be strongly promoted for substantial change in usage patterns to be acquired.