Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1997. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1997. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Reuters NewMedia, Inc. - Friday November 28 4:56 PM EST
The French and the Mexicans worry most about infection, the poll found, while young people across the world are far more willing to change their sexual behavior to reduce risk than people their parents' age.
The survey, carried out for condom manufacturer Durex in 14 countries, questioned almost 10,000 sexually active men and women between the ages of 16 and 45.
It found that "97 percent of the global population are aware of HIV/AIDS and two-thirds of respondents worry about becoming infected ... but almost half (49 percent) of those surveyed have not changed their sexual behavior to protect themselves against the virus".
In the United States, where 900 people were polled, the survey found that 96 percent were aware of HIV and AIDS, 65 percent worry about becoming infected and 44 percent have not modified their behavior.
"Of the 56 percent (in the United States) who say they have changed their behavior, two out of three rely solely on their judgment to determine their partner's likelihood of being HIV positive," the survey found.
Only 13 percent of Americans polled said they used a condom every time they had sex.
The survey found that 81 percent of French respondents and 79 percent of Mexican respondents were worried about becoming infected with HIV/AIDS, making their citizens the two most concerned nationalities.
It said 26 percent of French respondents used a condom during every sexual encounter, compared to 11 percent of Mexicans who did the same.
The survey found that globally, youths aged 16-19 were most concerned about infection and had done most to modify their behavior, while those over 40 had done least to change their sexual behavior.
"While predictable for married couples or cohabitees, these responses are disconcerting, particularly in the United States, where the divorce rate is 50 percent and a growing number of singles are 40 years and older," the survey said.
People in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Britain, Hong Kong, Italy, Mexico, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand and the United States were canvassed for the survey.
The poll was commissioned by British-based London International Group, the maker of Durex condoms.
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