Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1997. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PR Newswire; Friday November 28, 4:00 am Eastern Time
As of December 1996, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded a total of 581,429 AIDS cases and 362,004 AIDS-related deaths in the U.S. alone. Internationally, the statistics are no less alarming. The World Health Organization estimated in December 1996 that there were 22.6 million people infected with HIV.
The Durex Global AIDS Survey, which questioned nearly 10,000 sexually active men and women worldwide over the age of 16, found that American responses mirrored the global findings. Ninety-seven percent of the global population are aware of HIV/AIDS and two-thirds of respondents worry about becoming infected with HIV/AIDS, but almost half (49 percent) of those surveyed have not changed their sexual behavior to protect themselves against the virus.
"Durex hopes these results will spark more discussion about safer sex and encourage more individuals to adopt protective behaviors to ensure their sexual health and well-being," commented Tom Grant, president of Durex Consumer Products. Only 13 percent of Americans surveyed said they practice safer sex by using a condom every time.
Globally, 81 percent of French respondents and 79 percent of Mexican respondents are worried about becoming infected with HIV/AIDS, making their citizens the two most concerned nationalities. However, the French are more inclined to consistently practice safer sex. Twenty-six percent indicated that they use a condom during every sexual encounter, compared to just 11 percent of Mexicans who do the same.
One of the most encouraging findings of the Durex Global AIDS Survey is that youths aged 16 to 19 seem to be spearheading the movement toward greater concern about HIV/AIDS transmission and corresponding protective behaviors. The survey found that 77 percent in this age group said they worry about becoming infected and 65 percent said they have changed their sexual behavior to prevent transmission of the virus.
Conversely, older adults, particularly those aged 40 and above, seem most resistant to modifying sexual behavior. Fifty-nine percent say they have not changed their sexual behavior to protect themselves against HIV/AIDS. While predictable for married couples or cohabitants, these responses are disconcerting, particularly in the U.S. where the divorce rate is 50 percent and a growing number of singles are 40 and older.
Durex Consumer Products, a division of London International Group plc of Great Britain, is the manufacturer of Durex, the world's leading condom brand. Backed by more than 70 years of sexual health experience, Durex condoms are distributed in more than 130 countries around the world and have 22 percent of the global condom market. In addition to Durex, London International produces a range of leading healthcare, consumer and industrial products.
SOURCE: Durex Consumer Products
Copyright (c) 1997/PR NewsWire. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Permissions Desk, PR Newswire, 810 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019.
971128
PR971112
Copyright © 1997 - PRNewswire. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through PRNewswire, Permissions, 810 Seventh Ave., 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10019 http://www.prnewswire.com.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1997. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 1997. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .