Free condoms in youth clubs in Copenhagen

Abstract

As a step to limit the spread of AIDS, condoms were supplied free of charge in Copenhagen in youth clubs in connection with personal advice. A representative group of young people (N = 745) and of social workers in these clubs (N = 130) were asked to complete a structured questionnaire. The investigation revealed that the young were well informed about AIDS and its prevention, but despite this, they comprise a relative risk group with regard to the spread of AIDS due to high numbers of partners and poor habits with regard to the use of condoms. The campaign was well received by both the young and the youth club social workers. There was an obvious need for a continuation of such a campaign. It is concluded that youth clubs are a good forum for AIDS information.

The correlation between general disease prevention and prevention of HIV‐contagion among adolescents

“…These young people, in general, had a high level of knowledge as to the possibilities of preventing infection of HIV, and as a whole had a positive attitude towards " safer sex" . The results of this study have been published (Segest et al, 1990).…”

“…The knowledge both of the risk of contracting AIDS and just how this risk can be minimized was present (Segest et al, 1990). The question, however, is whether the young appreciate the risk of contracting AIDS as Table 1.…”

“…Similarly, we would like to mention the problem that sex often takes place under the influence of alcohol, where sound judgement is reduced (Hochhauser, 1989). Finally, we would mention a particular group which has only been mentioned peripherally (Segest et al, 1990), the socially disadvantaged young, who are frequently difficult to reach (Mangos et al, 1990;Matthews et al, 1990).…”

“…The rela- public in respect of knowledge, quite a number of studies have demonstrated the same pattern. Despite a high level of knowledge as to how the risk of HIV infection can be minimised, and an attitude that suggests a will to do something about it, there are still many young people who continue with high risk sexual behaviour (Cochran et al, 1990;Crawford, 1990;Goodman and Cohall, 1989;Hingson et al, 1990;Kjeller zyxwvutsrqponmlkjihg et al, 1989;Kraft et al, 1990;Roscoe and Kruger, 1990;Segest et al, 1990).…”

Multiple partners in the age of AIDS: Self-consciousness theory and HIV risk behavior

“…Young people tend not to use condoms (Oswalt & Matsen, 1993) and are more likely than adults to engage in sex with multiple partners (Cochran & Peplau, 1991). And, just as with adults, young people have not changed their sexual behaviors despite repeated exposure to HIV prevention information (Rotheram-Borus, Mahler, & Rosario, 1995;Sequest, Mygind, Jorgensen, & Bechgaard, 1990;Walter, et al, 1993).…”