Hiv i Sverige - Prevention, sexuella attityder & beteenden
HivPreventionAttityder till sexSexuellt riskbeetendeSverigeHIVPreventionSexual attitudesSexual risk behaviourSweden
ABSTRACT. Introduction: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus which occurs worldwide and spreads between humans mainly through sex, from mother to child, blood and blood products and between injecting drug users. After been infected with HIV for a couple of years the final stage of the infection progress into Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and there is no cure or vaccine, only medication that delays the development of the disease. Objective: The aim of this thesis is to examine the preventive work against HIV in Sweden, the groups at risk for getting infected and to highlight sexual attitudes and behaviours among adolescents and young adults. Method: A literature based study method was used and the material is based on scientific articles and reports from active actors within the field of HIV prevention. Results: In Sweden, the preventive work is controlled and includes the general population but also focus on certain groups at risk. There are existing laws and policies regarding the transmission of HIV and different authorities, school, health care, non-profit organisations and institutes are active in the preventive work against HIV infection. Sexual attitudes seem to have taken a liberal development the past decades, simultaneously as there are tendencies towards greater sexual risk behaviour through decreased condom use and increased number of sex partners. Discussion: The preventive work focus on testing and counseling and numerous actors are operating within the field. Although the HIV situation in Sweden is relatively controlled, the sexual patterns among adolescents and young adults are of great concern and needs to be emphasized. Even though there are several efforts against HIV established today, the preventive work requires improvement and development to decrease sexual risk behaviour.