AIDS-prompted behavior changes reported

Abstract

Public awareness of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has been growing rapidly since 1982. Many authorities have expressed the hope that increased knowledge will lead to a modification of such apparent high-risk behavior as sexual promiscuity among some homosexual men (<i>JAMA</i>1985; 253:3440-3441). Data now suggest that such changes may be under way, at least in certain areas. Answers to a San Francisco questionnaire, obtained in November 1983, indicate that nonmonogamous homosexual men decreased apparently high-risk sexual practices (unprotected anal intercourse, oral-genital contact) during the preceding year (<i>Am J Public Health</i>1985; 75:493-496). Many of the subjects were enlisted from among San Francisco bathhouse patrons. Bathhouses in New York City were the subject of a recent controversy. There, a few weeks ago, the city health commissioner resigned, reportedly after a disagreement with the state health commissioner. The health commissioner who resigned is said to have taken the position that a