THE RESPONSE OF AMERICAN WOMEN TO THE THREAT OF AIDS AND OTHER SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASES

Using data from the National Survey of Family Growth, we observe that large numbers of American women say that they are responding to the rising danger of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Among the changes reported in the 1988 National Survey of Family Growth are use of condoms, sexual relations with fewer partners, reduced frequency of sexual intercourse, changes in specific sexual activities, and avoidance of sex with unknown men, bisexual men, and intravenous drug users. Interviews with a sample of the 51 million sexually active women aged 15-44 in the United States show that 28% report either that they have adopted less hazardous sexual practices or that their partners have used condoms to prevent disease. Among women exposed to higher risk of disease, the response is even greater: among unmarried women with five or more lifetime partners, 65% report modified behavior or condom use. Most of these changes occurred after the women heard of AIDS. However, there are still many women who report doing nothing to protect themselves against infection despite sexual and contraceptive behavior that appears to put them at high risk.