AIDSImpact.com:: - Santa Fe, USA 2011

Abstract #267 - Twenty years follow-up of HIV knowledge, attitude, beliefs and practices of young adults living in France
Authors: Presenting Author: Mrs Nathalie Beltzer - ORS Ile-de-France
Additional Authors: Mrs. Sauvage Claire, Mrs. Sommen Cécile, Mrs. Leïla Saboni,
Aim: Since the beginning of the 1990’s, the increasing rates of condom use and HIV test amongst young adults indicate adoption of contraceptive practices in France as in many western countries. Most studies show that these preventive behaviours are more frequent, with a good level of information on AIDS and with a higher HIV risk perception. Other factors, such as knowing people living with HIV AIDS (PWHA), may also influence prevention. These factors are known as necessary but not sufficient conditions to increase prevention. In a context where prevention messages in western countries are more focused on treatment, what is young adult’s preventive behaviour, their level of knowledge and risk perception? Is there today a link between knowledge, HIV risk perception and preventive behaviour?
Method / Issue: We presented data from a number of KABP surveys, a population-based questionnaire, carried out in France by telephone in 1992, 1994, 1998, 2001, 2004 and 2010. Participants were selected based on a two stage probability sampling design. Amongst the 23 056 individuals interviewed in these six surveys, we focused on the 2 774 women and 2 362 men aged between18 to 29. Percentages and confidence intervals were calculated on the following indicators: knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices. Logistic regressions were performed according to the sampling design and held to precise analyses.
Results / Comments: Since 1994, the level of knowledge has shown a decrease amongst young adults. For example, in 2010, 30% of the young adults answered that HIV transmission is possible by a mosquito bite, versus 12% in 1994 (p<10-5). During the same time, their HIV risk perception has shown an increase. Almost a quarter of young adults declared they know personally a HIV positive person in 1998 and 2001, that figure was less than 11% in 2010 (p=0.000). 57% of men and 46% of women aged 18-29 years old used a condom in the last twelve months in 2010, and respectively 45% and 39% in 2001 (p=0.004 and 0.003). In the use of a condom at first intercourse, this has increased: 84% of men and 82% of women who began their sexual life after 1995 used a condom; this compares with 13% of men and 17% of women, when they started their relationships before 1985. 35% of women and 42% of men were never tested in 2010, the lowest proportion since the beginning of the surveys.
Discussion: Young women and men still adopt general preventive behaviour by using condoms and seek regular HIV tests. Though, for the first time in the KABP surveys, we notice a lack of knowledge on HIV transmission, means and prevention. These findings call into question the link between knowledge or information, risk perception and preventive behaviour. Is this lack of knowledge the beginning of future prevention relapses amongst young people? Alternatively are condoms considered so common that they are just a means of protection, used without consideration of either HIV or STI prevention?
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