A five year follow-up study of attitudes to HIV infection among Finns

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Abstract
Changes from 1986 to 1990 in knowledge, attitudes and behaviour among Finnish people towards HIV infection were studied. In 1986, 1 013 Finns aged 15 to 64 years were chosen at random from the entire population, and from 1987 to 1990 about 1 900 annually were similarly selected. Interviews took place at home or by telephone, using a structured questionnaire. Throughout the period knowledge was good about modes of HIV transmission, as well as diagnostic methods and location of test facilities. There appeared to be improvements over time in awareness about some aspects of transmission. Support for compulsory population screening declined during the period, while the proportion in favour of voluntary testing grew. Opinions were stable over the need for screening certain special groups. Perceptions of the personal threat of HIV also remained constant over the study years. There were no significant alterations in sexual behaviour due to the risk of HIV infection. The study revealed that perceptions among Finns towards issues of HIV infection did not change markedly between 1986 and 1990. Finnish opinions and attitudes relating to HIV infection may thus have stabilized.

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