Sexual behaviour and attitudes of students in the Moscow State University

This article is focused on the sexual attitudes and behaviour, and knowledge of AIDS of a group of students of Moscow State University. Reference will also be made to surveys dating back to the beginning of the century, when Russia and then the Soviet Republic were at the forefront in this field of research, in that they help throw light on past trends and present tendencies. The first sexual intercourse (FSI) is relatively early for male students (median age = 17.7) and relatively late for females (18.9). Mean number of partners per year is not low, and it is the same for both males and females (almost 1.7). This is not the case in Western countries. Moreover, contraception at FSI is at a low level. Sexual attitudes are permissive - particularly concerning infidelity - and there is a general concern regarding the spread of AIDS. However, specific knowledge about AIDS transmission is lacking.