A cross national study of patterns of sexual behaviour

The global Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and the fact that the Human Immunovirus (HIV) is sexually transmitted have highlighted the need for more information on patterns of human sexuality especially with regard to high-risk practice and behaviors. Consequently the World Health Organizations Global Programme on AIDS (in collaboration with Member States) has developed research materials that can be used to define dominant patterns of sexual behavior in different social and cultural environments in order to facilitate targeting AIDS prevention and control activities. This paper describes the inception of this study and discusses the rationale the conceptual framework the interview schedule the pilot data the research design and data analytic strategies. (authors)