INCREASE IN SAFE-SEX AMONG THE YOUNG AND NONMONOGAMOUS - KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOR REGARDING SAFE-SEX AND CONDOM USE IN THE NETHERLANDS FROM 1987 TO 1993

In 1987, the Dutch STD Foundation started several safe sex campaigns t argeting-the general population. These campaigns have been accompanied by surveys which were conducted every 6 months. Questions were asked about knowledge, attitudes and behavior. The number of people who rega rd condom use as being a safe sex practice increased over the years, a s did the number of people who know that condoms protect against STDs and AIDS. Surprisingly, no accompanying changes in attitudes occurred. Nevertheless, the number of people saying they have done something to prevent HIV infection increased significantly among the young and non -monogamous. Also, specifically in these groups, both actual and inten tional condom use increased remarkably. Although it is encouraging tha t those towards whom the campaigns were particularly directed, show th e largest changes, there are also signs that these behavioral changes are levelling off.