Modification of Sexual Activities in the Era of Aids

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Abstract
Data were gathered from students enrolled in sociology of sexuality classes at an English language College Enseignant General et Professional (CEGEP) in Montreal, Canada in 1981, 1983, 1985 and 1988. The purpose was to ascertain whether young Canadian adults were adjusting their sexual behavior in the direction advocated by the 3 safer sex guidelines promoted in the Canadian AIDS prevention campaigns of 1985 and 1989. The guidelines included 1) abstaining from vaginal and anal intercourse, 2) engaging in a mutually monogamous relationship where the sexual and drug history of the partner is known and there is no potential exposure to HIV, or 3) alternatively guideline to 2, using condoms. Another goal was to establish a data base of cross sections of young adults who were highly motivated to obtain information about sexuality. Reports of samples from 1981 and 885 are those of sexual conduct prior to educational campaigns. By 1988, the students were aware of HIV transmission and prevention. The response rate was 94% for the self-administered questionnaire. The survey included 564 respondents in 1981, 241 in 1983, 234 in 1985, and 259 in 1988. Comparisons were made to the general population at CEGEP. There were no gender, age, or linguistic differences among the population surveyed. The underlying assumption was that people have sufficient knowledge to act in a manner to reduce transmission of HIV. Knowledge of HIV in 1988 was based on 10 questions adapted from the work of Joseph, and DiClemente, Zorn, and Temoshok. 4 independent variables were included in the analysis: year of survey, gender, standards of permission for coitus, and current relationship. Dependent variables were based on 7 dichotomized indicators of compliance with the safer sex guidelines on abstention, mutual monogamy, or condom use. Based on logic analysis an log linear technique, the most parsimonious model was developed and the changes in the relationship between the dependent and independent variables were examined. The results confirm and expand upon earlier findings. Knowledge about AIDS is accurate but does not lead to effective risk reduction. There was no significant change in the safe sex guidelines in 1988. Young adults were found to be not protecting themselves from sexual transmission of HIV in the following ways. 1) There is only temporary abstention from coitus. 2) There is no decrease in multiple partner sex. 3) There is no decrease in nonrelationship coitus. 4) There is no evidence of a shift away from permissiveness prior to marriage or permissiveness whether there is affection or not. The only evidence of safer sex is an increase in the likelihood that condoms have been used at some time.