Prevention of AIDS. A campaign in the municipality of Copenhagen of providing free condoms in general practice
Segest, E.; Hansen, K.C.; Mygind, O.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 150(50): 3118-3121
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 3206722 Document Number: 365480
In order to limit AIDS infections, condoms are issued free of charge to groups at high risk in metropolitan Copenhagen. The value of this campaign was assessed by means of a questionnaire distributed among patients and general practitioners. The frequency of partners among patients with risky sexual behavior was found to be about 5/year/patient. No significant difference was observed in the frequency of partners between those who used condoms and those who did not. 45% of the patients did not use condoms. On the whole, patients had positive attitudes toward the campaign, but only 10% thought that it would change their sexual habits, including their use of condoms. Among the physicians surveyed, 14% opposed issuing condoms free of charge in their practices while 50% considered that this could be done in association with advice. 64% of the physicians thought that the campaign had increased patients' understanding of the sexual role in the spread of AIDS and that condom use offers protection. Only 46% if the physicians approved of the information about AIDS prevention that had been distributed. However, 82% were prepared to make special efforts in their practices to limit the spread of AIDS. The investigators conclude that the advice given to patients was variable and that well defined goals should be set for including preventative activities in general practice.