Source
Department of Geography, University of Exeter, Amory Building, Rennes Drive, Exeter EX4 4RJ, UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:
The immediate objective was to up-date knowledge of the socio-sexual lifestyles and AIDS awareness of young people (16-24 years of age) in Somerset, and to compare these 1996 survey findings to the Somerset Survey findings from 1990. The ultimate objective was to provide information to assist the continuing development of HIV risk-reduction and sexual health promotion strategies for young people.
DESIGN:
An identical schedule-structured survey strategy to that employed in 1990 was undertaken in May to July 1996 among 498 young people throughout Somerset. A quota sampling strategy was undertaken in 50 electoral wards, randomly selected in proportion to population size. The interviews, undertaken in respondents' homes, involved a combined personal interview and self-completion booklet.
RESULTS:
Between 1990 and 1996 broad shifts in sexual lifestyles were identified, involving earlier ages of first intercourse, slight increases in numbers of sexual partners and more 'casual-recreational' sexual attitudes. These changes were accompanied by a substantial increase in condom use.
CONCLUSIONS:
The trend among youth in Somerset is towards more open sexual lifestyles, but with the positive public health implications of higher levels of 'safer sex' practice.
PIP:
A 1996 survey of the knowledge of sociosexual lifestyles and AIDS awareness of young people (16-24 years of age) in Somerset is presented and compared with the Somerset survey findings from 1990. This information will be utilized in the development of current HIV risk reduction and sexual health promotion strategies for young people. A survey employing a design identical to the one used in 1990 was conducted from May to July 1996 among 498 young people throughout Somerset. A combination personal interview and self-completion booklet was completed in the respondents' homes. The findings between 1990 and 1996 showed broad shifts in sexual lifestyle, involving an earlier age of first intercourse, slight increases in numbers of sexual partners, and more "casual-recreational" sexual attitudes. A substantial increase in condom use was noted along with these changes. The 1996 survey also revealed a heightened HIV/AIDS awareness in the youth. Thus, the more open sexual lifestyles that have developed among the youth in Somerset have been accompanied by safer sex practice.