Changes in university students' AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours, 1988 and 1992

We evaluated changes in AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours among students in residence at the University of British Columbia based on identical surveys conducted in 1988 and 1992. 493 randomly selected students in each year were sent a self-administered questionnaire on AIDS-related knowledge, fear of AIDS, homophobia, sexual behaviours, and intravenous drug use. AIDS-related knowledge was very high and increasing (p < 0.01) among respondents. Fear of AIDS and homophobia were low in both years. Intravenous drug use was reported by only one student in each year. Sexual activity was reported by 62% of students overall, with 25% of these reporting multiple sexual partners in the previous six months. 23% of sexually active students in 1988 and 40% in 1992 reported usually or always using condoms during intercourse. In spite of high levels of AIDS-related knowledge, a large, although decreasing, proportion of students have multiple partners without barrier protection. Nevertheless, the consistent presentation of the same public health message over several years is associated with substantial improvement in condom use.