PR Newswire; Wednesday July 1, 11:06 am EST

The "Surfing the Gap" research project was conducted by London International Group plc, makers of Durex(R), the official WAC condom. The study targeted respondents from four developed countries: United Kingdom, United States, Japan and Germany, and four developing countries: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Thailand and India, to uncover their attitudes toward both the Internet and HIV/AIDS.

Additionally, the study sought to determine the relevance of the Internet in facilitating information sharing among individuals and communities that are working to reduce HIV infection rates within each country and internationally. Conducted from April 27 to May 27 this year via a dedicated web site, the survey elicited 2,630 responses. The "surfing the Gap" research project was supported by an international team of experts, including Dr. Jose Llados from the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), and Nancy Herndon of the American Social Health Association, the leading organization on sexually transmitted infections in the United States.

Following are highlights from the research:

HIV/AIDS - Still an Issue of Global Significance

-- Concern was unanimous among developed and developing nations about the continuing impact of HIV/AIDS. Nearly three of four (74 percent) respondents from developed countries and 84 percent of those from developing countries say HIV/AIDS is a significant issue in their country.

-- There was a difference in responses from developed and developing nations as to why HIV/AIDS remains a key issue in their country. Almost half (45 percent) of the respondents from developed nations cite complacency, while 52 percent of respondents from developing nations cite ignorance as the most significant barrier in reducing infection rates.

Education - A Recognized Priority

-- Almost three of four respondents from both developed (70 percent) and developing (72 percent) nations believe education initiatives to be the most effective factor in reducing incidences of HIV/AIDS.

-- Despite the high level of investment in HIV prevention programs, a gap still exists between developed and developing nations in the areas of communication and information. Sixty-four percent of respondents from developing nations do not believe the population in their country to be well informed on safer sex practices as compared to 29 percent of those from developed nations.

The Internet: Embracing An International Issue with a Universal Technology

-- Eight in ten (78 percent) respondents believe the Internet plays a valuable role in the exchange of information.

-- More than half of all respondents believe the Internet to be useful as a medium for communicating information about HIV/AIDS.

In addition to establishing the important role of the Internet in the sharing of HIV/AIDS information, the research has also helped establish a protocol for obtaining information from developed and developing nations.

Commenting, Dr. Jose Llados of UNAIDS said, "This has been an insightful and progressive research project which I hope will pave the way for future initiatives. The Internet can facilitate cooperation among the private sector, public sector and NGO/community representatives leading to successful and cost effective approaches for HIV/AIDS education. It is my hope that the world's leading multinational information technology companies will take the lead in assisting the expansion of the Internet within developing nations."

Durex Consumer Products is a subsidiary of London International Group plc of Great Britain, the manufacturer of Durex(R), the world's leading condom brand. Backed by more than 70 years of sexual health expertise, Durex(R) condoms are distributed in more than 130 countries around the world.

SOURCE: Durex Consumer Products

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