AIDS and contraception - Unanticipated effects of AIDS prevention campaigns

Background: This study addresses the effects of AIDS prevention campaigns o n contraceptive practices among the general population in France. Compariso ns of contraceptive practices and condom use by women aged 18-49 years were performed in two national population-based surveys (n=559 in 1994, n=731 i n 1998). Results: A decrease in the proportion of women aged 20-24 with mul tiple partners reporting the use of contraception was observed between 1994 and 1998. In the same time, there was an increase in the use of condoms to prevent AIDS. Conclusion: Findings suggest that single-risk prevention cam paigns on AIDS may lead some women to pay less attention to the risk of unw anted pregnancy.