AIDS-PREVENTION AMONG HOMOSEXUALS IN SWIT ZERLAND - MODES OF ADAPTATION TO RISK ACCORDING TO TYPE OF PARTNER

Objective: 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. Method: A se lf-administered questionnaire was published in gay magazines and distr ibuted by gay organizations and clubs. 934 questionnaires were returne d in Switzerland. Results: More than 80 % of the respondents report no risk behaviours in the last 12 months. Among all respondents three ma in modes of adaptation to risk were found: avoidance (no partner; no p enetration), protection (condom use), non-use of condoms by stable cou ples (this assumes an agreement between partners). With casual partner s 39% avoid penetration, 49% use condoms and 12% do not use them consi stently. With stable partners penetration is more frequent; protection and non use of condoms are found with equal frequency Nevertheless, 1 0% of those who report always using condoms say that they have been ex posed to a risk, while a third of those who do not always use condoms admitted having taken such a risk. Conclusions: Prevention campaigns m ust continue and focus especially on factors linked to the non use of condoms in couples in stable relationships (poor communication, exagge rated trust).