HDV/AIDS awareness among young people and their sexual behaviour

This article presents the results of a survey carried out among 1,427 Novosibirsk university students (medical, engineering and humanities specializations) with the purpose of assessing their awareness concerning the prevention of HIV and STIs, as well as risky sexual behaviour. The level of knowledge about HIV is shown to be rather high among Novosibirsk university students. However, an insufficient level of awareness concerning rare HIV transmission routes is identified. In addition, the respondents are found to adhere to out-of-date views concerning HIV patients. Female respondents in this age group tend to trust their regular partner, thus neglecting preventive measures. More than half of the respondents have a positive attitude towards using a condom during sexual intercourse.