Abstract:
A cross sectional comparative study was carried out during July 1994 to Aug 1995 between
a population with high risk sexual behaviour in the tourist trade at Hikkaduwa and a
matched working group. The objectives of the study were to compare the knowledge on
STD/AIDS, to measure some priority prevention indicators, to measure 4 predictor variables
in the sexual risk reduction behavior model, and to assess attitudes towards condom use.
Nearly 100 per cent in both groups had of AIDS but more detailed knowledge was better
among the SG. The knowledge on the use of a condom both for prevention of pregnancy
and AIDS was significantly higher in the study group. The sexual activity based on number
of persons having ever had one or more sexual encounters and the number of sexual acts
with the most recent casual sexual partner was more among the control group than the study
group. But the number of casual sexual partners during previous 12 months was higher in
the SG
