[AIDS prevention in homosexuals in Switzerland: adaptation to risks according to type of partner]

To evaluate the effectiveness of AIDS prevention and modes of adaptation to risk among gay men. Swiss results are presented from an international study conducted in 8 European countries.

A self-administered questionnaire was published in gay magazines and distributed by gay organizations and clubs. 934 questionnaires were returned in Switzerland.

More than 80% of the respondents report no risk behaviours in the last 12 months. Among all respondents three main modes of adaptation to risk were found: avoidance (no partner, no penetration), protection (condom use), non-use of condoms by stable couples (this assumes an agreement between partners). With casual partners 39% avoid penetration, 49% use condoms and 12% do not use them consistently. With stable partners penetration is more frequent; protection and non use of condoms are found with equal frequency. Nevertheless, 10% of those who report always using condoms say that they have been exposed to a risk, while a third of those who do not always use condoms admitted having taken such a risk.

Prevention campaigns must continue and focus especially on factors linked to the non use of condoms in couples in stable relationships (poor communication, exaggerated trust).