In October 2006, the European Commission published a Special Eurobarometer survey on AIDS prevention.1 This survey gathered public opinion from 25,000 respondents in the 25 member states, the four acceding and candidate countries, and the non-government-controlled areas of Cyprus.  In Ireland,TNS MRBI carried out 1,000 interviews between September and October 2005.  Results of this survey are compared with a Eurobarometer survey on this issue which took place in the 15 member states in 2002.2 

Respondents’ perceptions about how people catch HIV and AIDS

According to the survey report, ‘Europeans know how HIV can be contracted but some uncertainty emerges when it comes to ways in which the virus cannot be transmitted.’

Almost all respondents (97%)knew that it is possible to contract HIV by an infected needle, by receiving infected blood, and by having sex without protection with someone who has AIDS or who is HIV positive.  

When asked about ways in which HIV or AIDS cannot be transmitted, respondents were more uncertain.Only 40% knew that it is not possible to be infected with HIV by kissing on the mouth.  Almost half (around 45%) mistakenly believed that it is possible to be infected by sharing drinking glasses or toilet seats with, donating blood to, or taking care of HIV-positive or AIDS patients.  There were some large differences between the highest and the lowest percentages of correct answers given.For instance, 89% of Swedes knew that it is not possible to become HIV positive by giving blood, compared to 16% of Slovakians.  

Most Europeans knew that it is not possible to contract AIDS or HIV by shaking hands with, handling objects touched by, or eating a meal prepared by someone who has AIDS or is HIV positive.Respondents from new member states were more likely than those of the old EU15 to give an incorrect answer to questions relating to ways of contracting the disease.  

Irish responses tended to fall below the European average for correct answers (Table 1). There was a greater level of uncertainty about the way HIV and AIDS can be contracted, with more ‘possibly’ and ‘don’t know’ answers throughout. 

Table 1   Respondents’ knowledge about the ways AIDS can be caught

* EU figure is the aggregate percentage from 25 member states

 Since 2002, awareness had dropped in Italy, Spain and the UK, but levels were notably higher in Portugal and Germany and, to some extent, in France and Belgium. Irish awareness does not appear to have changed significantly over this time.

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