Taking into account the educational campaigns implemented in Campo Grande (Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil), the purpose of this study was to learn the perceptions of a non-risk of AIDS sample of 100 males about the disease and how it has changed their sexual and social behaviors. Data was collected during January 2 and February 14, 1989 and 98 questionnaires were used for the analyses. Sixty per cent of the respondents declared that they have changed their sexual habits, although more than 50% selected inefficient prevention methods. The study indicates that there are social and cultural patterns which strongly determine rejection of effective prevention methods, such as: use of condoms or reduced numbers of partners. The conclusions emphasize the importance of redesigning the contents and formats of AIDS educational programs for the population based on scientific research.
