Public still lack understanding of HIV

Findings from a recent Eurobarometer survey for the European Commission has identified an alarming lack of understanding about HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) amongst the European community.

The report, which looks at attitudes towards HIV across the 25 member states of the European Union (EU), asked 25 000 people for their views. The findings indicated that over 40% of people in the EU took no precautions during sex. In the UK, that figure was higher; with more than half stating they took no additional precautions to prevent transmission of HIV.

Attitudes towards how HIV can be transmitted have declined since a similar survey in 2002, with only 56% of UK respondents knowing that HIV cannot be passed on through sharing a beer glass.

Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of the National AIDS Trust, said:

"The Eurobarometer survey highlights a worrying lack of understanding about HIV transmission. The results support a similar study from the National AIDS Trust, published in April, which also showed that people are increasingly less likely to practice safe sex, despite growing numbers of people with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

These new findings confirm that more needs to be done to raise awareness of HIV and promote greater education, yet alarmingly, money previously allocated to promote sexual health in the UK has been used to plug NHS deficits."

To find out more about HIV and Aids, visit the National Aids Trust website at nat.org.uk.