According to available data on HIV infections in the last 20 years, the virus was contracted by two blood recipients, 14 hemophilia patients, 52 drug addicts, 74 partners of HIV positive persons, nine HIV positive mothers, and 142 promiscuous homosexuals. In case of 29 HIV infections, the origin of the infection was unknown.
According to data provided by the Public Health Agency, 49 new HIV infections were registered in Croatia last year, which is a precedent in the last 20 years.
Most of the newly infected come from the group of promiscuous homosexuals and the largest affected group are homosexuals.
A survey on the sexual behaviour of homosexuals, conducted by Iskorak, an association promoting the rights of homosexuals, in cooperation with the Public Health Agency, shows that 40 percent of the newly registered HIV cases are homosexuals.
The survey, covering 1,127 respondents, shows that a large number of them do not practice safe sex, and as much as 57 percent did not use condoms during their last intercourse.
Eighty percent of HIV infections are the result of a sexual intercourse, with homosexual intercourse making up 60 percent and heterosexual intercourse 40 percent of the infections.
Most infected homosexuals contracted the virus in Croatia, with most cases reported in Zagreb and the coastal area.
As for heterosexual HIV infections, the infection was spread in most cases by men who lived and worked abroad for a long time.
Most HIV infected people are homosexuals and bisexuals aged between 30 and 34.
There are still more male than female HIV positive persons, although internationally the ratio is becoming more balanced.
Even though the official statistics show that Croatia is still among countries with a relatively low percentage of HIV positive persons, experts warn that the actual situation is worse.