The social representations of AIDS, preventive practices concerning sexually transmissible diseases, self-representations, social life, values, and forms of information for 89 heterosexuals (HE), 7 bisexuals (BI) and 33 homosexuals (HO) were investigated through a questionnaire containing 33 open and closed questions. Results showed a general belief that everybody is vulnerable to the AIDS virus, but that external changes in the body were considered the major sympton of AIDS by HE and HO. Vaginal sex (30.47%) and oral/anal sex (43.33%) were the most commonly referred by HE and HO, respectively, while BI were more diffuse with regard to their sexual practices. In addition to the use of condoms, HE referred avoiding risk groups and opting for only one partner, while HO would avoid sex (18.2%). Despite HE and HO self-representations in terms of sexual behaviour they gave more emphasis to family than to sexual activity - something that could be regarded as an indication of psychosocial change in these groups caused by AIDS. Suggestions for future research included BI practices as a link between the groups, the power and trust relationships among HE partners, and the urgent need for further studies on the psycho-social life of these groups.
AIDS; Social Representation; Sexual Behavior; Social Psychology
