Business Wire - Tuesday, November 24, 1998
Knowledge does not always result in positive action, especially when it relates to issues of sexual protection.
This is one of the alarming findings uncovered by the international 1998 Durex Global Sex Survey, conducted by London International Group plc, manufacturers of Durex, the world's leading condom brand. Released prior to World AIDS Day on December 1 to raise awareness of activities surrounding this day, survey results indicate that although global awareness of HIV/AIDS is high, only half (51 percent) of survey respondents are consciously changing their sexual behavior to protect themselves from the disease. Among U.S. respondents, 56 percent are modifying their behavior while the remaining 44 percent indicate no change at all in sexual actions or behaviors.
A poll of 10,000 sexually active respondents aged 16 to 45 years old in 14 different countries, the Durex Global Sex Survey is an annual study commissioned to measure sexual attitudes and behaviors on an international level. With specific questions pertaining to HIV/AIDS issues, the survey highlights current trends that are distributed to other health and HIV/AIDS related organizations. The results are also analyzed and used to develop tailored education programs communicating safer sex messages.
Among the 51 percent of survey respondents who cite behavior changes in response to HIV/AIDS, a large group is still at risk by not using condoms. The most common indicated method of changed behavior is more care in choosing sexual partners (20 percent), not consistent use of protection. Changed behavior in the United States is demonstrated with 21 percent indicating more careful partner choice; 21 percent stating condom use either every time or most of the time; and 14 percent stating fewer sexual partners.
Results of the '98 Durex Global Sex Survey indicate that HIV/AIDS is beginning to hit home, as 27 percent of American respondents know someone who is HIV positive. Americans are also becoming more concerned about the disease, with 59 percent of the survey sample worrying about contracting the virus. As this concern rises, though, the "it can't happen to me" syndrome remains, with only 15 percent of the same group reporting condom use during every lovemaking session. Globally, Mexicans (63 percent), Africans (60 percent) and Spanish (54 percent) have the highest concern of catching the disease. Hong Kong and Britain worry the least at 15 and 21 percent, respectively.
Although complacency is high among a global population, awareness of HIV/AIDS has made a significant impact on a young adult audience. Messages of safe sex are reaching respondents aged 16-19, and 71 percent of this group indicates condom use with a new partner. The battle is far from over, though, with only 20 percent reporting condom use during every lovemaking session. This trend is increasingly alarming as reports from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate young adults aged 25 and under account for half of the new HIV cases reported in the United States and are also the fastest growing group directly impacted by the virus.
"Results of the '98 Durex Global Sex Survey this year were especially focused on younger people's attitudes and behaviors towards sex," said Tom Grant, president of Durex Consumer Products. "The survey indicates that 80 percent of this audience is still not using condoms during every sexual encounter, highlighting the vital need to promote safe sex practices directly to this audience, especially in light of HIV/AIDS."
Durex Consumer Products is a division of London International Group, Inc., a subsidiary of London International Group plc. of Great Britain, the manufacturer of Durex, the world's leading condom brand. Backed by more than 70 years of sexual health experience Durex condoms are sold in more than 140 countries around the world and hold a 21 percent share of the global condom market. In addition to Durex condoms, London International Group produces a range of leading healthcare, consumer and industrial products.
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