ZAGREB, Aug 4 (Hina) - The behaviour of Croatia's youth puts them in risk groups for HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, and calls for additional education about the dangers of AIDS, according to a research into the
matter presented earlier this week.
ZAGREB, Aug 4 (Hina) - The behaviour of Croatia's youth puts them in
risk groups for HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases,
and calls for additional education about the dangers of AIDS,
according to a research into the matter presented earlier this
week. #L#
All data indicate that the occurrence and frequency of AIDS in
Croatia is not high, but changes in social, economic, and other
norms may affect the increase of risk and spreading of infection,
said Marina Kuzman on behalf of the Croatian Public Health
Institute.
The main factor of AIDS risk among the youth is an increase in drug
consumption, particularly intravenously, which is connected with
unplanned and casual sex. This is followed by the early age of
becoming sexually active, non-use of protection, an inclination
towards prostitution, and a low risk perception.
Factors contributing to risk are insufficient information, lack of
counselling centres, insufficient programmes for addicts, and a
poor connection between government and non-government
institutions and associations.
Tanja Radocaj, an advisor at UNICEF's Zagreb office, pointed to
wrong estimates that AIDS will not spread in areas with a small
prevalence and affect only risk groups.
She also warned that more than 50 percent of the youth is not
informed sufficiently about how to protect themselves from AIDS and
underestimates its danger. She urged educating them before they
resort to risky behaviour.
The chairman of the Health Ministry's HIV/AIDS Commission, Josip
Begovac, said the incidence and prevalence of HIV infection in
Croatia was relatively low, with only 5-8 new cases on one million
inhabitants registered in the last few years.
In most cases infection is contracted abroad, said Begovac. Between
1985 and March 2002, 342 HIV-infected persons have been registered
in Croatia. The most frequent risk factor is sexual intercourse
between heterosexuals (39.7 percent) and homosexuals (35.1
percent). Infection is usually discovered between the ages of 30
and 40.
He urged implementing appropriate prevention programmes, setting
priorities and ensuring that prevention funds are use in the most
effective way.
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