Perceptions of Risk

Perceptions of Risk

• Slightly higher proportions of youth perceive themselves to be at some risk of contracting HIV/AIDS (13 versus 7 per cent indicate a moderate level of risk) and that the general risk of contracting HIV/AIDS is higher today compared to five years ago (59 versus 46 per cent);
  
• Youth are the most likely group of Canadians to perceive an increased rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Canada compared to ten years ago (80 versus 71 per cent);
  
• Youth are more likely than the overall population to believe that HIV testing has increased over the last ten years (83 versus 72 per cent), that there has been an increase in safer sex practices (67 versus 58 per cent) and that those infected with the disease are more diligent in taking steps to protect others (70 versus 61 per cent)