public awareness of hiv epidemy in ukraine 2015

PUBLIC AWARENESS OF HIV EPIDEMY IN UKRAINE 2015

Prepared for: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH acting on

behalf of the Federal Government of Germany

Prepared by:

Inna Volosevych, Head of Social and Political Research Department at GfK Ukraine,

[email protected]

Tamila Konoplytska, Project Manager at Social and Political Research Department at

GfK Ukraine, [email protected]

Nick Moon, Managing Director of Social Research at GfK UK, [email protected]

Date:

26.01.2015

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

2

Table of contents

Abbreviations ....................................................................................................................................... 3

1 Awareness of the “Don’t Give AIDS a Chance!” campaign and the National AIDS

helpline ....................................................................................................................................... 6

2 HIV awareness ......................................................................................................................... 11

3 Attitudes to HIV ....................................................................................................................... 24

4 Risk behavior and HIV testing ............................................................................................... 31

5 Attitude to PLWH ..................................................................................................................... 43

6 Core indicators for Global AIDS Response Progress Reporting ...................................... 51

7 Conclusions and recommendations ..................................................................................... 57

8 Sample design ......................................................................................................................... 64

3

Abbreviations

AIDS – Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus

IDUs – Injecting drug users

PLWH - People Living with HIV

UCDC - State institution "Ukrainian Center for Socially Dangerous Disease Control of the Ministry of

Health of Ukraine"

Target groups

Population, Population of Ukraine, Ukrainians – population of Ukraine aged 15 and older

Youth – population of Ukraine aged 15-24

Population of Dnipropetrovska oblast – population of Dnipropetrovska oblast aged 15 and older

4

General information about the survey

The objective of the research is to evaluate the outputs and outcomes of the “Don’t Give AIDS a

Chance!” campaign: induced changes, measuring HIV and AIDS-related knowledge, behaviour, and

attitudes in Ukraine.

The first wave of the survey was conducted in Autonomous Republic Crimea in January-February 2013

and covered two target groups: the population of Crimea aged 15+ and the population of Crimea aged

15-24.

The second wave of the survey was conducted in Ukraine (not including Crimea and settlements in

Donetska and Luhanska oblast which are not under control of Ukrainian government) in November 2014.

It covered three target groups of the campaign: the population of Ukraine aged 15+, the population of

Ukraine aged 15-24 (Youth) and the population of Dnipropetrovska oblast aged 15+.

The third wave of the survey was also conducted in Ukraine (not including Crimea and settlements in

Donetska and Luhanska oblast which are not under control of Ukrainian government) in November 2015.

It covered three target groups of the campaign: the population of Ukraine aged 15+, the population of

Ukraine aged 15-24 (Youth) and the population of Dnipropetrovska oblast aged 15+.

Dnipropetrovska oblast became target one of the “Don’t Give AIDS a Chance!” campaign because of the

high HIV prevalence there. As of December 1, 2014 Dnipropetrovska oblast holds the second place in

Ukraine by HIV prevalence after Odeska oblast (732 PLWH per 100 000 of population)1. As of October

2015 this indicator increased to 765 PLWH per 100 000 of population2 while the average indicator in

Ukraine for indicated period decreased: the average indicator of HIV-infection in Ukraine as of 1.12.2014

was 323,7 PLWH per 100 000 of population and it decreased to 298,7 PLWH per 100 000 of population

as of 1.10.2015.

This report gives the results of the third wave of the survey, compared with the results of the second

wave. Questions that were modified in the third wave are shown with the results of only the third wave.

The total sample size of the third wave of the survey was 1502 interviews3, the Youth sample size was

403 interviews, and the Dnipropetrovska oblast sample was 340 interviews. The total sample size of the

second wave of the survey was 1479 interviews4, the Youth sample size was 411 interviews, and the

Dnipropetrovska oblast sample was 321 interviews.

The sample of the survey is random. At the last stage interview was conducted with the person who fits

by age (15+). If there are several persons who fit by age, the interview was conducted with the person

whose birthday was the last among members of household aged 15+. If all potential respondents denied

participating in the survey, the interviewer followed the next household.

1 According to data of State Institution “Ukrainian Center for Social Disease Control of the Ministry of Healthcare of Ukraine http://dssz.gov.ua/attachments/article/2421/листопад%202014.pdf 2 According to data of State Institution “Ukrainian Center for Social Disease Control of the Ministry of Healthcare of Ukraine. http://ucdc.gov.ua/uploads/documents/83da57/54767862173c1d664168e3fa6a5c28c2.pdf 3 Sample size of 1502 interviews includes 1077 respondents for nationally representative sample (which included 204 respondents aged 15-24 and 114 residents of Dnipropetrovska oblast) and boosters of 199 respondents for Youth and 226 respondents for residents of Dnipropetrovska oblast. The boosters were conducted in order to have enough number of respondents for reliable analysis. 4 Sample size of 1479 interviews includes 1068 respondents for nationally representative sample (which included 211 respondents aged 15-24 and 110 residents of Dnipropetrovska oblast) and boosters of 200 respondents for Youth and 211 respondents for residents of Dnipropetrovska oblast. The boosters were conducted in order to have enough number of respondents for reliable analysis.

http://dssz.gov.ua/attachments/article/2421/листопад%202014.pdf

http://ucdc.gov.ua/uploads/documents/83da57/54767862173c1d664168e3fa6a5c28c2.pdf

5

The sample for Ukraine is representative for the population of Ukrainian settlements that are under

control of the Ukrainian government aged 15+ by gender, age, settlement size, region of respondent`s

residence according to State Statistic Service of Ukraine data: for the second wave - at January 1, 2013;

for the third wave – at January 1, 2014.

The sample for Youth is representative for the population of Ukrainian settlements that are under control

of the Ukrainian government aged 15-24 by gender, settlement size, region of respondent`s residence

according to State Statistic Service of Ukraine data: for the second wave - at January 1, 2013; for the

third wave – at January 1, 2014.

The sample for Dnipropetrovska oblast is representative of the population of Dnipropetrovska oblast aged

15+ by gender, age and settlement size according to State Statistic Service of Ukraine data: for the

second wave - at January 1, 2013; for the third wave – at January 1, 2014.

Geographical coverage of the territories of the survey differs in 2014 and 2015 because of changes in

borders of territories that are under control of the Ukrainian government and those that are not controlled

by the Ukrainian government. Territorial coverage in 2015 was defined by with the Cabinet of Ministers of

Ukraine Order dated by November 7, 2014 № 1085-р “On the list of settlements in the territory of which

the public authorities temporarily do not exercise their authority, and the list of settlements that are

located on the contact line” and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Order dated by May 5, 2015 № 428-р

“On the Amendments to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Order dated November 7, 2014 № 1085.

Distribution of the sample (population of Ukraine) by regions in the second and the third waves of

the survey showing different regional coverage

2nd wave 3rd wave

Kyiv city 7,2% 7,4%

North 13,0% 13,4%

West 22,6% 23,3%

Centre 25,0% 25,6%

South 16,3% 16,4%

West 15,9% 14,0%

Total 100,0% 100,0%

6

1 Awareness of the “Don’t Give AIDS a Chance!” campaign and the National AIDS helpline

Awareness of the “Don’t Give AIDS a Chance!” campaign is similar to its level in 2014. Overall 39% of

Ukrainians are aware of the campaign. This percentage is higher among Youth (52%). Also the number of

those who have heard about the campaign in Dnipropetrovska oblast is higher than in Ukraine (54%).

Regarding the majority of the Ukrainians, they are mostly haven’t heard of this campaign.

Graph 1.1 HAVE YOU HEARD OR SEEN ANYTHING ABOUT «DON’T GIVE AIDS A CHANCE!» CAMPAIGN? (shows the card with the samples of ads of the campaign)

% of all respondents

The most common sources of information about the “Don’t Give AIDS a Chance!” campaign in Ukraine

remain the TV – 24% (in 2014 – 29%), and outdoor ads/billboards – 17% (in 2014 – 14%).

Comparing with the previous wave there is as increase in the number of those who became aware of the

campaign via brochures/posters (8% in 2015 comparing with 5% in 2014), social media (5% in 2015

comparing with 2% in 2014), promotions organized in the city (5% in 2015 comparing with 1% in 2014),

doctors or other employees of the health care system (4% in 2015 comparing with 2% in 2014).

The share of Youth who got aware of campaign via TV significantly decreased (29% in 2015 comparing

with 34% in 2014). Youth was also mentioning the Internet more frequently than the others.

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 39% 54% 52%

2014 37% 56% 47%

2015 61% 46% 48%

2014 63% 44% 53%

2015 1502 340 403

2014 1479 321 411

Yes, I have heard/seen the company`s

logo or posters

No, haven`t heard or seen anything

N

7

The population of Dnipropetrovska oblast heard about “Don’t Give AIDS a Chance!” campaign much more

often than the total population from TV and outdoor ads/billboards. Comparing with 2014 there is a

significant decrease of the share of those who got aware of campaign from brochures/posters (12%

comparing with 22% in 2014) and newspapers (10% comparing with 23% in 2014). In contrast, many

more residents of Dnipropetrovska oblast heard of the campaign from their friends (13% comparing with

3% in 2014).

Graph 1.2 WHERE HAVE YOU HEARD OR SEEN ABOUT «DON’T GIVE AIDS A CHANCE» CAMPAIGN?*

% of all respondents**

* The graph includes the sources which constitute at least 5% of the responses at least in one of the target groups **Here and further statistically significant differences with a probability of 95% are marked bold

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 24% 40% 29%

2014 29% 48% 34%

2015 17% 34% 26%

2014 14% 34% 22%

2015 8% 12% 9%

2014 5% 22% 8%

2015 7% 10% 10%

2014 7% 23% 6%

2015 6% 5% 13%

2014 5% 7% 9%

2015 5% 5% 7%

2014 2% 4% 5%

2015 5% 10% 5%

2014 4% 9% 4%

2015 5% 6% 4%

2014 1% 4% 4%

2015 4% 7% 4%

2014 2% 3% 3%

2015 3% 13% 7%

2014 2% 3% 3%

2015 3% 7% 2%

2014 2% 3% 4%

2015 2% 5% 8%

2014 1% 2% 7%

2015 61% 46% 48%

2014 63% 44% 53%

2015 1502 340 403

2014 1479 321 411N

Haven’t received information

Social media

TV

Outdoor ads/billboards

Brochures/leaflets

Newspapers, magazines

The Internet (not social media)

Radio

Public events that took place in your

city

Doctor/other healthcare professional

Friends

Public transport (trolleybus, bus, train)

School

8

33% of Ukrainians have heard about the National HIV/AIDS (the figure decreased comparing with 2014

when it was 39%). This result is higher among Youth (46%).

Graph 1.3 HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE NATIONAL HIV/AIDS HELPLINE?

(the card with the name of the National HIV/AIDS Helpline, its telephone number and Internet web-site

address was shown to the respondents)


Awareness of the National HIV/AIDS Helpline decreased among those who are aware of the “Don’t Give

AIDS a Chance!” campaign as well as among those who never heard of the campaign.

There are 56% of those who are aware of the National HIV/AIDS Helpline among those who have heard

of the campaign (in 2014 this indicator reached 62%), whereas among those who never heard of the

campaign only 18% heard of this helpline (in 2014 it was 25%).

Graph 1.4 HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT THE NATIONAL HIV/AIDS HELPLINE? (the card with the name of the National HIV/AIDS Helpline, its telephone number and Internet web-site address was shown to the respondents)


Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 33% 28% 46%

2014 39% 31% 42%

2015 67% 72% 54%

2014 61% 69% 58%

2015 1502 340 403

2014 1479 321 411

Yes

No

N

Population of

Ukraine

Those who

received

information

about the

campaign

Those who did

not receive

information

about the

campaign

2015 33% 56% 18%

2014 39% 62% 25%

2015 67% 44% 82%

2014 61% 38% 75%

2015 1502 653 849

2014 1479 622 857

Yes

No

N

9

The overwhelming majority of Ukrainians (73%), as well as the overwhelming majority of Youth (75%) and

the residents of Dnipropetovska oblast (76%) know that the calls to the National HIV/AIDS Helpline are

free of carge.

Graph 1.5

DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH IT COSTS TO CALL THE NATIONAL HIV/AIDS HELPLINE? IS IT …

% of respondents, who have heard of the National HIV/AIDS Helpline

Ukrainians who have heard about the helpline named the following situations that should cause people to

call there: if the caller suspects him/herself being HIV-infected (58%); or if the caller wishes to hear

general information about HIV/AIDS (46%). Among Youth there are similar indicators.

Among the population of Dnipropetrovska oblast there are much fewer of those who believes that the

National helpline should be called when you believe that you are HIV-infected. In contrast, they slightly

more often than the others named the necessity to know where to be tested for HIV as the reason for the

call.

Graph 1.6

WHEN SHOULD SOMEONE CALL THE NATIONAL HIV/AIDS HELPLINE?

% of the respondents who have heard of the National HIV/AIDS Helpline

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 73% 76% 75%

2014 72% 86% 71%

2015 3% 1% 6%

2014 2% 2% 1%

2015 1% 0% 0%

2014 1% 0% 1%

2015 23% 23% 20%

2014 26% 12% 27%

2015 517 105 183

2014 570 87 169N

The same rate as a call to another city

Don’t know

Free

The same rate as a local calls

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 58% 33% 58%

2015 46% 44% 43%

2015 36% 44% 38%

2015 34% 26% 30%

2015 28% 26% 28%

Don’t know 2015 6% 5% 8%

N 2015 517 105 183

If they think they might have HIV

For information about HIV and AIDS in

general

To ask where they can undergo a HIV

test

If they know someone who might have

HIV or AIDS

To ask about how to prevent getting

HIV

10

Regarding the possibility of online consultation on the issues related to HIV/AIDS, the awareness level

among the total population reaches 15% and approximately the same rate among the population of

Dnipropetrovska oblast (17%). Youth is better informed – in its case the indicator reaches 25%.

Graph 1.7 ARE YOU AWARE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF ONLINE CONSULTATION ON HIV/AIDS ISSUES AT THE WEB-SITE INDICATED ON THE CARD? (the card with the name of the National HIV/AIDS Helpline, its telephone number and Internet web-site address was shown to the respondents)


Approximately one-third (35%) of those who have heard of the National Helpline know about the

possibility of online consultation on HIV/AIDS issues. There are 46% of such respondents among Youth

and more than a half (58%) among the population of Dnipropetrovska oblast.

Graph 1.8 DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF ONLINE CONSULTATION ON THE ISSUES OF HIV/AIDS AT THE WEB-SITE INDICATED ON THE CARD) (the card with the name of the National HIV/AIDS Helpline, its telephone number and Internet web-site address was shown to the respondents)

% of the respondents who have heard of the National HIV/AIDS Helpline

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

Yes 2015 15% 17% 25%

No 2015 85% 83% 75%

N 2015 1502 340 403

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

Yes 2015 35% 58% 46%

No 2015 65% 42% 54%

N 2015 517 105 183

11

2 HIV awareness

More than half (59%) of Ukrainians consider themselves to be very or fairly well informed about HIV/

AIDS. 25% say they’re poorly informed and 9% are not informed at all.

The percentage of informed respondents is higher among Youth (69%).

There is a significant decrease in the level of awareness among the population of Dnipropetrovska oblast

(55% in 2015 in comparison owith 67% in 2014). At the same time the percentage of those who are not

informed at all (8% in 2015 versus 1% in 2014), and those for whom it’s difficult to say (14% in 2015

versus 7% in 2014) increased in Dnipropetrovska oblast

Graph 2.1

HOW WELL INFORMED WOULD YOU SAY YOU ARE ABOUT HIV AND AIDS?

% among all respondents

76% of Ukrainians have heard or seen some information about HIV/AIDS in the past year (in 2014 this

indicator was 79%). The most common sources of information about HIV/AIDS in Ukraine remain the TV

(56%), however the percentage of those who indicated that they have heard or have seen something

about HIV/AIDS on TV significantly decreased comparing with 2014 when it was 68%.

Among Youth information about HIV/AIDS was received by 85%. The main sources of information for

Youth, just as for all Ukrainians, are TV (53%, which is much less in comparison with 67% in 2014),

outdoor ads/billboards (36%), the Internet except for the social media (25%). 23% of Youth received such

information at schools and 11% at universities.

Among the population of Dnipropetrovska oblast 79% have not received information about HIV/AIDS in

the past year. The proportion receiving such information from the newspapers decreased (11% in 2015

versus 33% in 2014). The same is true for the brochures (15% in 2015 versus 29% in 2014), at work (5%

in 2015 versus 14% in 2014).

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 12% 16% 15%

2014 11% 11% 12%

2015 47% 39% 54%

2014 44% 56% 56%

2015 25% 23% 23%

2014 27% 26% 22%

2015 9% 8% 3%

2014 10% 1% 2%

2015 7% 14% 5%

2014 8% 7% 8%

2015 1502 340 403

2014 1479 321 411

Very well informed

Fairly well informed

Fairly poorly informed

Not at all informed

Don’t know

N

12

Graph 2.2 WHERE DID YOU GET ANY INFORMATION ABOUT HIV AND AIDS DURING THE LAST YEAR FROM?* % among all respondents

* The graph includes the sources which constitute at least 5% of the responses at least in one of the target groups

More than a half of Ukrainians know the following information about HIV:

You can get infected with HIV and be unaware of it (84% of respondents estimated this statement

correctly)

Use of condoms considerably reduces the risk of getting infected with HIV ВІЛ (76%)

There is no medicine as of now to completely cure HIV-infection and AIDS (71%)

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 56% 57% 53%2014 68% 74% 67%2015 25% 44% 36%2014 26% 45% 32%2015 16% 11% 17%2014 22% 33% 21%2015 16% 15% 16%2014 14% 29% 17%2015 13% 10% 25%2014 14% 14% 27%2015 11% 15% 10%2014 17% 19% 13%2015 9% 17% 11%2014 11% 12% 17%2015 9% 8% 9%2014 10% 7% 13%2015 9% 9% 12%2014 6% 9% 10%2015 8% 5% 10%2014 5% 8% 7%2015 7% 7% 23%2014 5% 6% 23%2015 6% 5% 3%2014 8% 14% 6%2015 6% 8% 5%2014 6% 12% 8%2015 4% 4% 10%2014 3% 4% 8%2015 4% 3% 9%2014 1% 2% 5%2015 4% 2% 11%2014 2% 3% 9%2015 3% 5% 2%2014 3% 3% 2%2015 2% 3% 2%2014 3% 6% 3%2015 14% 5% 11%2014 8% 6% 6%2015 10% 16% 4%2014 13% 8% 10%2015 1502 340 4032014 1479 321 411

TV

Outdoor ads/billboards

Newspapers, magazines

Brochures/leaflets

University

The Internet (not social media)

Radio

Friends

Doctor/other healthcare professional

Social media

Public events that took place in your city

School

Workplace

Public transport (trolleybus, bus, train)

Lectures

Parents

Don’t remember

Haven’t received information about HIV

and AIDS in past year

N

A partner or spouse

Other relatives

13

A healthy-looking person can be HIV-positive (69%)

You cannot rest assured that you do not have HIV/AIDS just because you do not take drugs

(59%)

More than one third of Ukrainians know that people living with HIV are provided with treatment and can

live a normal life. The proportion of those who think this way has significantly increased – 37% in 2015

versus 24% in 2014 among the Ukrainians in general. The increase of this indicator is also noticeable

among Youth (42% in 2015 versus 27% in 2014) and the population of Dnipropetrovska oblast (42%

versus 28%). On the other hand only one third of Ukrainians (34%) know that HIV is not a death

sentence.

67% of Ukrainians believe that a man who is known to be carrying condoms would not have a bad image;

58% of Ukrainians believe the same to be true about a woman that is known to be carrying condoms.

One third of Ukrainians (34%) believe that HIV-infected woman can give a birth to a healthy child. Among

Youth this indicator is 26%.

The same trends are being observed among Youth and population of Dnipropetrovska oblast overall.

However in Dnipropetrovska oblast in comparison to 2014 there is a decrease in a number of those who

know that a person cannot rest assured that he/she does not have HIV just because he/she does not take

drugs (57% in 2015 versus 67% in 2014).

Graph 2.3 NOW I AM GOING TO READ YOU A SET OF STATEMENTS ABOUT HIV AND AIDS. PLEASE LABEL EACH OF THEM RIGHT OR WRONG.

% of all respondents, share of those who believe the statement to be correct

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 82% 87% 83%2014 84% 81% 85%2015 76% 75% 84%2014 76% 78% 81%2015 71% 72% 69%

2014 69% 74% 70%2015 69% 66% 71%2014 69% 71% 72%

2015 67% 67% 73%

2014 67% 68% 71%

2015 59% 57% 62%

2014 59% 67% 65%

2015 58% 60% 63%

2014 58% 58% 64%

2015 37% 42% 42%

2014 24% 28% 27%

2015 34% 27% 35%

2014 33% 36% 37%

2015 34% 30% 26%

2014 ─ ─ ─2015 1502 340 403

2014 1479 321 411

You can get infected with HIV and be

unaware of this

Use of condoms considerably reduces the

risk of getting infected with HIV

A healthy-looking person can be HIV-

positive

There is no medicine as of now to cure of

HIV infection and AIDS completely

N

HIV-infected woman can give birth to a

healthy child

A man who is known to be carrying

condoms would not have a bad image

If you do not take drugs, you can not rest

assured that you do not have HIV or AIDS

A woman who is known to be carrying

condoms would not have a bad image

These days people with HIV are provided

with treatment and are able to live a

normal life

Getting infected with HIV do not mean a

death-warrant

14

According to the public opinion, the main reasons why HIV is being spread is prostitution (according to

74% of the respondents; the number of those who think that way decreased in comparison to 2014 when

this indicator reached 80%), drug-trafficking (73%) and homosexual relations (66%). Other reasons given

by respondents are: people believe they are not at risk of getting HIV (54% mentioned it as one of the

main reasons); disrespect to the traditional moral and ethical values of the society (51%); people do not

understand the ways HIV is distributed (48%; the number of those who think that way decreased in

comparison to 2014 when it was 52%).

There is no significant difference among Youth and the residents of Dnipropetrovska oblast regarding this

issue, although among Youth there are significantly less of those who believe that the reason for HIV

distribution is homosexual relations (60%, whereas among the Ukrainians overall its 66%), and the

population of Dnipropetrovska oblast named prostitution much more often as the reason (79%, whereas

overall in Ukraine it is – 74%).

Graph 2.4 NOW I AM GOING TO READ YOU A FEW STATEMENTS CONCERNING THE REASONS OF HIV/AIDS SPREAD IN UKRAINE. PLEASE SPECIFY IF IT IS THE MAIN REASON, SECONDARY REASON OR NOT A REASON AT ALL OF THE UNEFFECTIVE HIV/AIDS PREVENTION IN UKRAINE FOR EACH OF THE STATEMENTS?

% of all respondents, population of Ukraine: N 2014 = 1479, N 2015 = 1502

74%

80%

73%

76%

66%

68%

54%

57%

51%

48%

52%

47%

48%

42%

42%

36%

38%

28%

29%

28%

20%

26%

14%

14%

16%

13%

17%

15%

18%

20%

26%

28%

27%

32%

28%

34%

30%

34%

32%

36%

33%

35%

33%

38%

42%

33%

33%

27%

6%

2%

6%

4%

8%

3%

14%

8%

15%

14%

12%

14%

12%

17%

16%

24%

20%

26%

22%

24%

26%

33%

44%

49%

4%

4%

5%

8%

9%

6%

8%

7%

6%

7%

6%

10%

7%

10%

5%

9%

11%

16%

11%

12%

9%

10%

10%

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

Main reason Secondary reason Not a reason Don`t know/Refuse

Spread of prostitution

Spread of drug-trafficking

Spread of homosexual relations

People think they are not at risk of getting infected with HIV

People do not understand the ways HIV and AIDS are spread

Parents do not provide their children with enough information on sex safeguards

Lack of information on safe sex in schools

It is difficult for people to speak openly about sex

People think there has been discovered a cure for HIV/AIDS

The quality of condoms is poor, they tear easily

Condoms are too expensive

Traditional moral and ethicalvalues neglection

People displacement (wars, labour migration, urbanization, tourism, trade)

15


% of all respondents: population of Dnipropetrovska oblast, 2015 N=340, 2014 N=321

79%

87%

77%

84%

69%

85%

53%

51%

51%

53%

48%

52%

41%

44%

37%

27%

34%

39%

32%

32%

30%

29%

16%

27%

17%

10%

20%

12%

21%

11%

37%

35%

37%

28%

38%

35%

48%

36%

40%

48%

45%

35%

47%

45%

31%

45%

36%

45%

2%

2%

3%

2%

1%

2%

7%

11%

8%

16%

8%

10%

4%

16%

17%

20%

17%

20%

13%

13%

30%

21%

44%

20%

8%

3%

3%

3%

6%

3%

7%

3%

6%

5%

4%

5%

8%

10%

9%

6%

4%

9%

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

Main reason Secondary reason Not a reason Don't know/Refuse











The quality of condoms is poor,


People displacement (wars, labour migration, urbanization, tourism, trade

16


% of all respondents: Youth (15-24), 2015 N=403, 2014 N=411

73%

80%

67%

75%

60%

66%

53%

61%

51%

54%

46%

47%

40%

41%

37%

35%

39%

30%

33%

33%

21%

25%

15%

15%

19%

13%

22%

16%

23%

20%

29%

27%

31%

28%

38%

31%

38%

33%

36%

39%

33%

35%

32%

38%

44%

35%

34%

28%

2%

4%

11%

6%

14%

6%

14%

13%

13%

14%

18%

19%

17%

22%

22%

26%

23%

20%

24%

29%

42%

50%

3%

3%

5%

7%

8%

5%

6%

4%

6%

4%

7%

5%

6%

9%

5%

6%

9%

12%

9%

11%

11%

8%

7%

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

Main reason Secondary reason Not a reason Don't know/Refuse










The quality of condoms is poor, they tear easily



People displacement (wars, labour migration, urbanization, tourism, trade

17

Most Ukrainians are aware of the ways of HIV transmission. The highest level of awareness is observed

for:

Transfusion of infected blood (90% of Ukrainians know this way of HIV transmission);

Shared use of needles and syringes for injections (90% – the indicator increased in comparison

to 2014 when it reached 87%);

Blood-to-blood contact with an infected person (90%).

There is an increased level of awareness of HIV transmission through vaginal sex without condom (84%

in 2015 versus 80% in 2014), unprotected anal sex (74% in 2014 versus 66% in 2015), oral sex without

condom (65% in 201, 54% in 2014). The level of awareness of HIV transmission through piercing and

tattooing reaches 81%, sharing shaving products / toothbrushes – 75%.

The number of those who are aware of HIV transmittance from an HIV positive mother to a baby is 64%,

the number of those who are aware of this decreased in comparison to 2014 (75%).

As well as in case of the respondents overall, the number of young people who are aware the HIV can be

transmitted from an HIV positive mother to a baby decreased (63% in 2015 versus 75% 2014).

In Dnipropetrovska oblast there is an increase in the number of those who are aware that a person can

be infected by transfusion of infected blood, – 99% in 2015 versus 95% in 2014 - or by the blood of the

infected person via blood-to-blood contact – 97% in 2015 versus 88% in 2014. However, there is a

decrease in the proportion of those who are aware of the probability of HIV transmittance via oral (60% in

2015 versus 82% in 2014), anal (71% in 2015 versus 83% in 2014), vaginal (78% in 2015 versus 90% in

2014) sex without condom. There is also a decrease in those who are aware of the risk of HIV

transmittance when doing piercing or tattooing (73% in 2015 versus 82% in 2014)

Graph 2.7 WHICH OF THESE ARE POSSIBLE AND WHICH ARE IMPOSSIBLE WAYS OF GETTING HIV OR AIDS? POSSIBLE WAYS

% of all respondents: share of those who considers the following ways of being infected to be possible

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 90% 99% 93%

2014 89% 95% 88%

2015 90% 89% 91%

2014 87% 90% 86%

2015 90% 97% 89%

2014 88% 88% 83%

2015 84% 78% 82%

2014 80% 90% 78%

2015 81% 73% 86%

2014 80% 82% 81%

2015 75% 66% 76%

2014 76% 72% 74%

2015 74% 71% 73%

2014 66% 83% 66%

2015 65% 60% 63%

2014 54% 82% 55%

2015 64% 84% 63%

2014 75% 83% 75%

2015 1502 340 403

2014 1479 321 411

When using somebody else’s shaving

products, toothbrushes

Anal sex without using a condom

Oral sex without using a condom

An HIV-positive mother-to-baby

transmission

N

When transfusing infected blood

Shared use of needles and syringes for

injections

Through blood of infected people upon any

blood-to-blood contact

Vaginal sex without using a condom

When doing piercing and tattoo

18

The most important objective of the campaign is raising awareness of thise ways of being infected that

are directly connected with the risky behavior of citizens – unprotected sex or shared use of sharp objects

(the fact that citizens are aware of the possibility of HIV transmittance by blood transfusion, blood-to-

blood contacts or when the child is born does not have any impact on their behavior).For each of the

target groups the proportion aware of all the ways of getting infected through the risky behavior was

calculated.

Among the population of Ukraine the proportion who are aware of all the ways of getting infected which

are associated with risky behavior increased from 37% in 2014 to 46%.

Among Youth this proportion increased from 37% in 2014 to 44%.

On the contrary, awareness of all the ways of getting infected is lower among the residents of

Dnipropetrovska oblast than among the overall population (also, this awareness significantly decreased in

comparison to 2014).

Graph 2.8 WHICH OF THESE ARE POSSIBLE AND WHICH ARE IMPOSSIBLE WAYS OF GETTING HIV OR AIDS? POSSIBLE WAYS, ASSOCIATED WITH RISKY BEHAVIOUR % of all respondents: share of those who considers the following ways of getting infected to be possible Indicator: awareness on the ways of getting infected associated with a risky behavior - % of respondents who consider all the indicated ways of getting infected to be possible

Regarding wrong stereotypes about HIV transmittance, 34% of Ukrainians wrongly consider that a person

can be infected if treated at a doctor’s surgery where HIV-positive patients are also treated. 28% consider

that HIV is transmitted via mosquito bites. 26% of respondents said that the person can be infected by

sharing toilet/bathhouse/swimming pool with the infected person (the proportion thinking this way

increased from 20% in 2014) and 26% consider that one can be infected by sharing the same glass with

HIV-infected person. 11-22% of Ukrainians wrongly consider that HIV can be transmitted by shared use

of towels and other household items, consuming food together, sneezing or coughing, kissing etc.,

whereas 5% believe even touch or hugging to be risky. All these wrong perceptions lead to intolerant

attitude towards PLWH.

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 90% 89% 91%

2014 87% 90% 86%

2015 84% 78% 82%

2014 80% 90% 78%

2015 81% 73% 86%

2014 80% 82% 81%

2015 75% 66% 76%

2014 76% 72% 74%

2015 74% 71% 73%

2014 66% 83% 66%

2015 65% 60% 63%2014 54% 82% 55%

2015 46% 37% 44%

2014 37% 50% 37%

2015 1502 340 403

2014 1479 321 411

When using somebody else’s shaving

products, toothbrushes

Awareness of ways of getting infected

associated with risky behaviour (% of

those who know all the ways)

Shared use of needles and syringes for

injections

Vaginal sex without using a condom

When doing piercing and tattoo

Anal sex without using a condom

Oral sex without using a condom

N

19

Among Youth the proportion who consider that HIV can be transmitted via mosquito bite increased in

2015 up to 28% (comparing with 18% in 2014).

Among the residents of Dnipropetrovka oblast there is an increase in those who think that a person can

be infected if treated at a doctor’s surgery where HIV-positive patients are also treated (2015 – 29%,

2014 – 16%). However, on the other hand, there is a decrease in those who think that a person can get

infected by touches and hugging (2015 – 2%, 2014 р. – 8%).

Graph 2.9 WHICH OF THESE ARE POSSIBLE AND WHICH ARE IMPOSSIBLE WAYS OF GETTING HIV OR AIDS? IMPOSSIBLE WAYS

% of all respondents: share of those who consider that the following ways of getting HIV-infected are

possible

According to the total population the best way to protect from HIV is to engage in sexual intercourse only

with a constant and faithful partner that doesn’t have any other sexual partners (90% of Ukrainians

mentioned it as a method to reduce the risk of infection); also 80% mentioned using condoms during each

sexual intercourse as another effective way of protection.

There is an increase in a number of those who do not consider that for preventing infection it is necessary

to have one faithful partner: in 2015 – 5%, in 2014 р. – 3%; in those who do not consider it necessary to

using condoms: 2015 – 11%, 2014 р. – 5%; and in those who do not consider that f HIV can be prevented

from spreadingby abstaining from anal sex: 2015 – 33%, 2014 – 28%.

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 34% 29% 33%

2014 32% 16% 27%

2015 28% 16% 28%

2014 24% 22% 18%

2015 26% 25% 24%

2014 20% 28% 20%

2015 26% 23% 20%

2014 22% 25% 22%

2015 22% 25% 20%

2014 19% 29% 17%

2015 20% 17% 17%

2014 19% 15% 16%

2015 18% 21% 17%

2014 18% 20% 15%

2015 16% 20% 17%

2014 18% 23% 15%

2015 12% 15% 11%

2014 11% 16% 8%

2015 11% 12% 9%

2014 9% 13% 8%

2015 5% 2% 5%

2014 6% 8% 4%

2015 1502 340 403

2014 1479 321 411

Through a kiss

Living in one room with an HIV-positive

person

Eating food prepared by an HIV-positive

person

Through touch or hugging

N

If you share food with an HIV-positive

person

Through sneezing or coughing

Insect bite transmission

Using one toilet/bathhouse/swimming pool

or sauna with an infected person

Drinking from the same glass with HIV-

positive person

Through shared use of a towel, bath

sponge, soap

If you’re treated at a doctor’s surgery

where HIV-positive patients are also

treated

20

Among Youth there is a significant decrease in the proportion of those who believe that is necessary to

use condoms constantly – 85% in 2014 to 79% in 2015.

Among the population of Dnipropetrovska oblast 98% consider that it is possible to decrease the risk of

HIV infection by engaging in sexual intercourse only with a constant and faithful partner that doesn’t have

any other sexual partners; for 44% it is abstaining from anal sex (the number of such respondents

decreased comparing with 2014 – 55%) whileamong Ukrainians this indicator reached 37%).

Graph 2.10 IS IT POSSIBLE TO REDUCE THE RISK OF HIV TRANSMISSION… POSSIBLE WAYS

% of all respondents: population of Ukraine, N 2014 =1479, N 2015= 1502


% of all respondents: Dnipropetrovska oblast, N 2014 =321, N 2015= 340

90%

91%

80%

82%

37%

38%

5%

3%

11%

5%

33%

28%

5%

7%

10%

13%

30%

35%

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

Yes No Don`t know

By engaging in sexual intercourse only with a constant and faithful partner, that doesn't have any other sexual partner

By using condoms during each sexual intercourse

Abstain from anal sex

98%

94%

87%

90%

44%

55%

3%

8%

4%

23%

22%

2%

4%

5%

6%

33%

24%

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

Yes No Don't know




21


% of all respondents: Youth (15-24), N 2014 =411, N 2015= 403

The highest share (46%) of the interviewed residents of Ukraine considers that sexual contacts with those

persons who said that they are HIV negative are reducing the risk of HIV transmission. Also other wrong

stereotypes on the protection from being HIV-infected prevail in over one-fifth of the population of

Ukraine: reducing HIV risk by practicing sexual penetration without ejaculation (24%); use of spermicidal

agents when having a sexual intercourse (20% versus 16% in 2014 р.); use of hormonal contraceptives

(19%).

A significant share of the respondents demonstrated uncertainty regarding the wrong stereotypes related

to protection from HIV infection: 43% of Ukrainians are not aware whether using of spermicidal agents

can reduce the risk of being HIV-infected, 29% of the population is not aware whether practicing sexual

penetration without ejaculation can reduce the risk (in 2014 this indicator reached 35%), and 28% are not

certain if using of hormonal contraceptives can help. ( 34% in 2014)

Graph 2.13 IS IT POSSIBLE TO REDUCE THE RISK OF HIV TRANSMISSION… WRONG WAYS

% of all respondents: population of Ukraine, N 2014 =1479, N 2015= 1502

88%

88%

79%

85%

36%

38%

6%

2%

13%

4%

34%

28%

6%

10%

7%

11%

30%

34%

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

Yes No Don't know




46%

43%

24%

21%

20%

16%

19%

15%

36%

32%

46%

44%

37%

36%

53%

50%

18%

25%

29%

35%

43%

48%

28%

34%

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

Yes No Don`t know

Sexual penetration without ejaculation

Use of spermicidal agents when having a sexual intercourse

Use of hormonal contraceptives (i.e. birth control pills)

Sexual contacts only with those who told you they are not HIV-positive

22


% of all respondents: Dnipropetrovska oblast, N 2014 =321, N 2015= 340


% of all respondents: Youth (15-24), N 2014 =411, N 2015= 403

63%

71%

40%

28%

25%

26%

18%

27%

20%

14%

31%

44%

23%

31%

46%

51%

17%

15%

29%

27%

52%

42%

36%

23%

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

Yes No Don't know





51%

44%

24%

23%

22%

16%

19%

18%

34%

29%

44%

39%

37%

36%

56%

45%

15%

27%

31%

38%

41%

49%

25%

37%

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

Yes No Don't know





23

Only 32% of respondents say they do not need additional information on HIV/AIDS. This figure was 28%

for the population of Dnipropetrovska oblast and 21% for Youth.

The overall population and Youth would first and foremost prefer to receive information on the possible

personal measures of HIV-infection prophylactics. Among the population of Dnipropetrovska oblast the

most requested information relates to HIV-testing and explanation of the results and also the measures

that can be taken by people in order to prevent being HIV-infected and on the treatment of HIV and

people who live with HIV.

Graph 2.16 WHAT TYPE OF INFORMATION ABOUT HIV/AIDS YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE IN FUTURE


Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 27% 17% 32%

2015 23% 19% 27%

2015 21% 17% 20%

2015 14% 9% 15%

2015 32% 28% 21%

Difficult to answer 2015 14% 26% 16%

N 2015 1502 340 403

To receive information on HIV testing and

test results explanation

To receive information on measures

person could take to prevent HIV

To receive information about HIV treatment

and people living with HIV

To receive other information about HIV and

AIDS

No further information about HIV and AIDS

is required

24

3 Attitudes to HIV

The health issue people in Ukraine are most worried about is heart diseases (31%, versus 21% in 2014).

Cancer holds the second place (29%), third – HIV/AIDS (10%, a decrease from 16% in 2014). Sexually

transmitted diseases, except HIV; and road traffic accidents are the main concern respectively only to 4%

and 3% of respondents. 10% of the interviewed do not worry about health issues at all.

Among Youth there is the highest share of those who are worried by cancer (27%, an increase from 19%

in 2014). HIV/AIDS holds a second position (16%, this indicator is half as high as in 2014). Concern levels

for sexually transmitted diseases (except HIV) are not high at 8%.

The population of Dnipropetrovska oblast shows the highest level of concern with health threats – only

3% do not worry about their health. The population of this oblast has a much higher level of concern

about cancer – 37% named it as a most important health threat. Heart diseases hold a second place

(29%), and HIV/AIDS dropped to third position (13%, in 2014 – 21%).

Graph 3.1

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING THREATS TO HEALTH WORRIES YOU MOST OF ALL?


63% of Ukrainians are sure they are absolutely not at risk or unlikely to get HIV-infected. Only 22%

consider the risk as real («absolutely real», «quite real» and «fifty-fifty»); 14% did not respond to the

question.

Youth assesses the risk of being HIV-infected higher than the population generally (27% among Youth

versus 22% among the population in general).

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 31% 29% 8%

2014 21% 20% 5%

2015 29% 37% 27%

2014 26% 38% 19%

2015 10% 13% 16%

2014 16% 21% 32%

2015 4% 6% 8%

2014 4% 6% 4%

2015 3% 3% 4%

2014 3% 4% 3%

2015 10% 3% 21%

2014 12% 1% 21%

2015 7% 7% 11%

2014 9% 4% 8%

2015 1502 340 403

2014 1479 321 411

Heart diseases

Cancer

Not worried about threats to health

HIV and AIDS

Sexually-transmitted infections, except

HIV

Road traffic accidents

Difficult to answer

N

25

Graph 3.2

HOW HIGH IS THE RISK THAT YOU YOURSELF MIGHT GET INFECTED WITH HIV?

% of all respondent

Those who don’t use condoms because of having permanent partners and those who always use

condoms assess their risk of being infected as lower than do those who not always use condoms (for the

figures on using condoms see Chapter 4)

Graph 3.3 HOW HIGH IS THE RISK THAT YOU YOURSELF MIGHT GET INFECTED WITH HIV % of respondents who: always use condoms; use condoms from time to time; don’t use condoms because of having permanent partners. Population of Ukraine

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 3% 3% 3%

2014 2% 3% 3%

2015 7% 5% 8%

2014 7% 17% 6%

2015 12% 10% 16%

2014 12% 15% 18%

2015 32% 29% 35%

2014 35% 34% 37%

2015 31% 33% 23%

2014 31% 25% 18%

2015 14% 19% 16%

2014 12% 6% 18%

2015 1502 340 403

2014 1479 321 411

Quite real

Fifty-fifty

Unlikely

I’m absolutely not at risk

Don’t know

N

Absolutely real

Always use

condoms

Not always use

condoms

Do not use con-

doms, because of

having a perma-

nent partner

2015 3% 4% 3%

2014 2% 4% 2%

2015 6% 14% 8%

2014 8% 10% 8%

2015 20% 19% 14%

2014 25% 17% 10%

2015 42% 39% 38%

2014 41% 41% 44%

2015 22% 11% 27%

2014 13% 15% 27%

2015 7% 12% 11%

2014 11% 13% 9%

2015 195 316 339

2014 200 326 357

Don’t know

N

I’m absolutely not at risk

Absolutely real

Quite real

Fifty-fifty

Unlikely

26

Most of those who consider themselves to be at risk of HIV infection say that they know how to protect

themselves but anything might happen in life (62%). 16% of respondents say that they do not always

have the possibility to take safety measures, and 13% don’t know how to protect themselves. Youth

showed no significant differences from the total population of Ukraine in this regard. On the contrary, in

Dnipropetrovska oblast there is a significant increase in people who don’t know how to protect

themselves from HIV/AIDS (32% in 2015 whereas in 2014 – 11%).

Graph 3.4 WHY DO YOU THINK THERE IS REAL RISK? % of those respondents who consider that they are completely at risk, quite at risk or fifty-fifty

Those who think they are unlikely to get infected explain their confidence by the fact they: have one

permanent sexual partner whom they trust (47% in 2015, down from 53% in 2014); they do not take drugs

(34%); or they do not have a sexual partner (21%).

In comparison with 2014 there is an increase in those who do not believe that they can be infected. In

2015 that was the response of a quarter of respondents (25%) believe that the risk is low or completely

does not exist (20% in 2014).

Among Youth the reasons why people are not worrying about the risk of being HIV-infected are the

following: «I have a permanent sexual partner whom I trust» (45%), «do not take drugs» (40%), «do not

have a sexual partner» and «do not believe it can happen to me» (23% each).

The population of Dnipropetrovska oblast rely for the most on having one permanent partner (48%).

Disbelief that it can happen to them is the second most popular reason for confidence of not getting

infected (24% - an increase from 14% in 2014), and the third reason is that they do not take drugs (22%).

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 62% 47% 57%

2014 67% 66% 70%

2015 16% 11% 19%

2014 13% 16% 16%

2015 13% 32% 16%

2014 9% 11% 9%

2015 1% 3% 0%

2014 3% 5% 0%

2015 2% 2% 3%

2014 2% 2% 0%

2015 5% 5% 6%

2014 7% 1% 5%

2015 333 71 101

2014 369 115 120

Other

Difficult to answer

N

I can get infected during the medical

tratment, testing or blood transfusion

I don’t know how to secure myself

against HIV and AIDS

I know how to secure myself against

HIV and AIDS and I always take

corresponding measures

but anything might happen in life

I know how to secure myself against

HIV and AIDS but I am not always able

to take safety measures

27

Graph 3.5 WHY DO YOU THINK IT IS UNLIKELY YOU WOULD GET HIV-INFECTED? % of respondents who consider that the risk is low or that they are absolutely not at risk of being infected

40% of respondents wouldn’t agree if a new partner suggested having sex without a condom but 10% (up

from 6% in 2014) would agree to such proposal. 26% of respondents would not know what to do in such a

situation. A quarter suppose they would never have a new relationship 30% (in 2014).

More men than women wouldn’t know what to do in such a situation. There are more women who

suppose that they will never have a new relationship. Men more often agree upon sex without condom

(12% comparing with 7% among women).

52% of respondents among Youth wouldn’t agree if a new partner suggested having sex without a

condom (up from 46% in 2014) and only 10% would agree. 23% of respondents would not know what to

do in such a situation.

Among the population of Dnipropetrovska oblast 39% wouldn’t agree if a new partner suggested having

sex without a condom and 9% would agree. 36% would not know what to do in such a situation and 16%

do not believe there is a possibility of new relations.

Graph 3.6 YOUR NEW PARTNER WANTS TO INTIMATE WITH YOU WITHOUT A CONDOM AND WITHOUT BEING SURE ABOUT HIS/HER HIV STATUS. WOULD YOU AGREE OR NOT? % of all respondents

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 47% 48% 45%

2014 53% 58% 41%

2015 34% 22% 40%

2014 36% 27% 44%

2015 25% 24% 23%

2014 20% 14% 19%

2015 21% 16% 23%

2014 22% 22% 28%

2015 9% 3% 18%

2014 8% 8% 17%

2015 5% 7% 4%

2014 5% 6% 5%

2015 944 205 232

2014 930 180 218

Difficult to answer

N

I have one permanent sexual partner I

trust

I do not do drugs

I do not believe it can happen to me

I do not have a sexual partner

I always use condoms

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 10% 9% 10%

2014 6% 8% 11%

2015 40% 39% 52%

2014 39% 55% 46%

2015 26% 36% 23%

2014 25% 23% 29%

2015 25% 16% 15%

2014 30% 15% 14%

2015 1502 340 403

2014 1479 321 411

Would agree

Would not agree

Don’t know

N

Would never have a new relationship

28

Graph 3.7

YOUR NEW PARTNER WANTS TO INTIMATE WITH YOU WITHOUT A CONDOM AND WITHOUT

BEING SURE ABOUT HIS/HER HIV STATUS. WOULD YOU AGREE OR NOT?


52% would themselves suggest using a condom with a new sexual partner. Men and women demonstrate

the same level of will to take on such an initiative.

Among Youth the share of those who are ready to suggest using condoms with a new sexual partner is

higher than among total population (63% versus 52%). Men are more likely to suggest condom use than

women in a new relationship.

Among respondents from Dnipropetrovska oblast the share of those who are ready to suggest using

condoms with a new sexual partner is 54% down from 65% in 2014). Men are more likely to suggest

condom use than women in a new relationship.

Graph 3.8

IMAGINING YOU WERE STARTING A NEW RELATIONSHIP, WOULD YOU TAKE THE INITIATIVE

AND SUGGEST USING CONDOMS?


47% of Ukrainians think that they have quite a good chance of convincing a new partner to use a condom

and only 12% % believe that it would prove difficult for them. There is also quite a big proportion who do

not know whether it would be difficult or easy (41%).

Men think it would be easier than women do to convince a partner to use condoms.

Population of

UkraineWomen Men

2015 10% 7% 12%

2014 6% 5% 7%

2015 40% 42% 38%

2014 39% 39% 39%

2015 26% 22% 30%

2014 25% 21% 30%

2015 25% 29% 20%

2014 30% 36% 24%

2015 1502 799 703

2014 1479 784 695

Would never have a new relationship

N

Would agree

Would not agree

Don’t know

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 52% 54% 63%

2014 52% 65% 67%

2015 15% 17% 12%

2014 11% 10% 6%

2015 33% 29% 25%

2014 37% 25% 27%

2015 1502 340 403

2014 1479 321 411

Don’t know

N

Yes

No

29

Youth is much more sure it would be easy to convince a new partner to use condoms: 56% of young

respondents believe that it would be easy, whereas 9% think it would prove to be difficult. Men find it

easier than women to convince a partner to use condoms.

Among respondents from Dnipropetrovska oblast 45% think that it would be easy to convince a new

partner to use condoms while 21% believe it to be a difficult task. Similar to the two other target groups

men find it easier than women to convince a partner to use condoms.

Graph 3.9 IF YOU DID WANT TO CONVINCE A NEW PARTNER TO USE CONDOMS AT THE START OF A

NEW RELATIONSHIP, HOW EASY OR DIFFICULT DO YOU THINK IT WOULD BE?


Graph 3.10 IF YOU DID WANT TO CONVINCE A NEW PARTNER TO USE CONDOMS AT THE START OF A

NEW RELATIONSHIP, HOW EASY OR DIFFICULT DO YOU THINK IT WOULD BE?


22% of respondents say that they would, and 25% (up 5% from 2014) that they would not suggest

undergoing an HIV test to a new partner. However, the majority of respondents could not answer whether

they would suggest undergoing an HIV test before having sexual intercourses with a new partner (53%)

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 19% 12% 23%

2014 15% 25% 18%

2015 28% 33% 33%

2014 25% 33% 31%

2015 9% 12% 6%

2014 5% 8% 6%

2015 3% 9% 3%

2014 4% 6% 2%

2015 41% 35% 35%

2014 50% 27% 43%

2015 1502 340 403

2014 1479 321 411

Very easy

Fairly easy

Fairly difficult

N

Very difficult

Don’t know

Population of

UkraineWomen Men

2015 19% 16% 22%

2014 15% 13% 18%

2015 28% 26% 30%

2014 25% 23% 27%

2015 9% 11% 7%

2014 5% 6% 5%

2015 3% 3% 3%

2014 4% 5% 3%

2015 41% 44% 38%

2014 50% 53% 47%

2015 1502 799 703

2014 1479 784 695

Don’t know

Very easy

Fairly easy

Fairly difficult

Very difficult

N

30

which may simply mean that people haven’t previously considered having a new sexual partner. Among

Youth 25% would suggest undergoing an HIV test before having sex with a new partner and 28% would

not (an increase from 18%in 2014).

In Dnipropetrovska oblast the proportion who would be willing to suggest an HIV test before sex with a

new partner is equal to the share within the population overall (22%); while 28% wouldn’t do that. 51% of

the respondents could not answer this question.

Graph 3.11

IMAGINING YOU WERE STARTING A NEW RELATIONSHIP, WOULD YOU TAKE THE INITIATIVE

AND SUGGEST UNDERGO HIV-TEST BEFORE YOU HAVE SEXUAL INTERCOURSES?


The majority of respondents do not know how easy it would be to convince a new partner to undergo HIV

testing at the start of a new relationship (53% which is less than 61% in 2014). Only 17% believe this

would be very or fairly easy while 30% think this would be very difficult or fairly difficult (there is a

significant growth in the share of those who think it would be fairly difficult: 14% in 2015 and 21% in

2014).

The perception of this question among Youth is similar to the total population. At the same time, 19% of

the population of Dnipropetrovska oblast think it would have been an easy task and 34% believe it to be a

difficult task.

Graph 3.12 IF YOU DID WANT TO CONVINCE A NEW PARTNER TO UNDERGO HIV TEST AT THE START OF A NEW RELATIONSHIP, HOW EASY OR DIFFICULT DO YOU THINK IT WOULD BE?


Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 22% 22% 25%

2014 22% 30% 26%

2015 25% 28% 28%

2014 20% 21% 18%

2015 53% 51% 47%

2014 58% 49% 56%

2015 1502 340 403

2014 1479 321 411

Yes

No

N

Don’t know

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 7% 3% 7%

2014 5% 6% 6%

2015 10% 16% 14%

2014 10% 17% 11%

2015 21% 21% 21%

2014 14% 21% 15%

2015 9% 13% 10%

2014 10% 12% 11%

2015 53% 47% 48%

2014 61% 45% 57%

2015 1502 340 403

2014 1479 321 411

Very difficult

Don’t know

N

Very easy

Fairly easy

Fairly difficult

31

4 Risk behavior and HIV testing

86% of Ukrainians over 15 have experience of sexual intercourse. The percentage of respondents with

sexual experience in Dnipropetrovska oblast is 87% (in both cases there is a visible decrease since 2014

when these indicators were respectively 90% and 93%). Among Youth 63% had sexual intercourse and

26% never had sexual intercourse.

Graph 4.1

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN INTIMATE WITH ANYONE?


62% had their first sexual experience at the age of 15 or later, and 3% before they turned 15. In

Dnipropetrovska oblast 5% of the respondents had their first sexual experience before they turned 15

(this indicator has halved since 2014 when it was 10%).

Graph 4.2

AT WHAT AGE DID YOU HAVE YOUR FIRST SEXUAL INTERCOUSE?

% of respondents who had ever had sexual intercourse

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 86% 87% 63%

2014 90% 93% 64%

2015 5% 4% 26%

2014 5% 2% 27%

2015 9% 10% 11%

2014 5% 5% 9%

2015 1502 340 403

2014 1479 321 411

Yes

No

I’d rather not answer

N

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 3% 5% 6%

2014 3% 10% 4%

2015 62% 66% 63%

2014 66% 68% 62%

2015 35% 29% 31%

2014 31% 22% 34%

2015 1382 320 296

2014 1361 311 301N


Before the age of 15

At the age of 15 or later

32

Out of those respondents who have experience of sexual intercourse, 58% of Ukrainians, 59% of the

residents of Dnipropetrovska oblast and 72% of Youth have been intimate within the last 12 months.

Graph 4.3

HAVE YOU BEEN INTIMATE WITH ANYONE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?

% of respondents who have ever had a sexual intercourse

14% of Ukrainians who had intimate relations over the past 12 months use condoms always and 9%

almost always; 20% use them from time to time or rarely; 33% of respondents do not use condoms

because they have one permanent partner(down from 39% in 2014), and 5% do not use them because of

other reasons.

Condoms are more widely used among Youth and population of Dnipropetrovska oblast than among the

total population of Ukraine, although it is noteworthy to mention the decrease of those who almost always

use condoms in Dnipropetrovska oblast: 5% in 2015 versus 17% in 2014.

Graph 4.4

HOW OFTEN IN THE PAST YEAR DID YOU USE CONDOMS DURING THE SEXUAL

INTERCOURSE?

% of respondents who had intimate relations over the past 12 months

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 58% 59% 72%

2014 61% 69% 78%

2015 24% 20% 8%

2014 25% 20% 6%

2015 18% 21% 20%

2014 14% 11% 17%

2015 1382 320 296

2014 1361 311 301

Yes

No


N

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 14% 22% 31%

2014 13% 26% 33%

2015 9% 5% 15%

2014 10% 17% 16%

2015 13% 12% 15%

2014 9% 15% 10%

2015 7% 5% 5%

2014 8% 4% 8%

2015 33% 29% 17%

2014 39% 23% 14%

2015 5% 8% 1%

2014 4% 2% 2%

2015 20% 20% 16%

2014 17% 14% 17%

2015 1106 275 275

2014 1086 264 282


N

Always

Almost always

From time to time

Rarely

I don’t use them because I have one

permanent partner

I don’t use them due to other reasons

33

Among those Ukrainians who do not use condoms or do not always use them, 38% say this is because

they trust their partner, 31% (21% in 2014) say that condoms make sex less pleasant, 29% say condoms

are not always available, 19% use other means of protection, 13% pointed out that condoms are

questionable protection (up significantly from 4% in 2014), 11% don’t think it’s necessary and 11% think

that condoms are too expensive.

For Youth the main reason for not using condoms is their unavailability (38%), followed by trust in the

partner (35%) and less pleasurable sex (31%).

The most popular reason for not using a condom in Dnipropetrovska oblast is the same as for the total

population – a trustworthy partner – although the proportion who think that way has halved since the last

wave (2015 – 27%, 2014 – 54%). There is also an increase in the proportion of those residents of

Dnipropetrovska oblast who complain at the poor quality of condoms: in 2015 their number reached 18%,

whereas in 2014 it was only 1%. There is also increase in the proportion who believe that condoms are

too expensive (20% in 2015 and only 4% in 2014).

Graph 4.5 WHY DON’T YOU USE OR NOT ALWAYS USE CONDOMS?* % of respondents who had intimate relations over the past 12 months and not always use condoms not because of having permanent partner

*The Graph includes the alternatives given by at least 3% in at least one of the target groups

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 38% 27% 35%

2014 37% 54% 26%

2015 31% 20% 31%

2014 21% 18% 25%

2015 29% 23% 38%

2014 30% 15% 42%

2015 19% 19% 20%

2014 20% 39% 8%

2015 13% 18% 9%

2014 4% 1% 5%

2015 11% 12% 7%

2014 15% 3% 12%

2015 11% 20% 13%

2014 12% 4% 9%

2015 6% 9% 10%

2014 2% 0% 4%

2015 5% 4% 4%

2014 ─ ─ ─

2015 3% 2% 6%

2014 3% 0% 0%

2015 316 65 91

2014 326 94 97N

I don’t think it is necessary

I don’t feel comfortable to buy

condoms

Sometimes I do not use condom

because of having drunken sex


Condoms are questionable protection

(low quality/tear easily)

I don’t use them when I trust my

partner

Other ways of protection used

My partner refuses to use condoms

Condoms make sex less pleasant, I

don’t like having sex with condoms

Condoms are not always available

34

Condoms are perceived mostly as a method of contraception among those who use condoms (83% of

Ukrainians, 82% of Youth and 86% of population of Dnipropetrovska oblast). 34% of Ukrainians use

condoms to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS, 35% use them as protection from other infections (down

from 44% in 2014). Youth named protection from HIV much more often (41%), than other target

audiences.

Graph 4.6 WHY DO YOU USE CONDOMS? % of respondents who indicated frequency of using condoms (from «always» to «seldom»)

Of those respondents who have been intimate with anyone within the last year, 23% of Ukrainians used

condoms during the last sexual intercourse. The highest rate of condom usage is among Youth (45%).

Among the respondents of Dnipropetrovska oblast 27% used condoms during their last intercourse which

is significantly less than last year (39%).

Graph 4.7

DID YOU USE CONDOMS DURING LAST SEXUAL INTERCOURSE?

% of respondents, who had intimate relations over the past 12 months

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 83% 86% 82%

2014 77% 88% 79%

2015 35% 44% 46%

2014 44% 40% 47%

2015 34% 33% 41%

2014 36% 55% 54%

2015 2% 1% 2%

2014 3% 2% 4%

2015 511 136 177

2014 526 170 194N

Contraception

Protection against other infections

Protection against HIV and AIDS

Difficult to answer

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 23% 27% 45%

2014 21% 39% 47%

2015 50% 46% 32%

2014 58% 45% 29%

2015 26% 27% 23%

2014 22% 17% 23%

2015 1106 275 275

2014 1086 264 282N

Yes

No


35

63% of Ukrainians, 68% of respondents in Dnipropetrovska oblast and 58% of Youth had one sexual

partner during last 12 months. 28% of Ukrainians refused to answer and the rest had 2 or more sexual

partners.

Graph 4.8

HOW MANY PARTNERS DID YOU HAVE SEX WITH IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS?

% of respondents, who had intimate relations over the past 12 months

Out of those respondents who have ever been intimate with anyone, 30% discussed safe sex with their

partner; 26% discussed previous relations with a partner; 19% asked their partner to use a condom and

the same proportion underwent a test for sexually transmitted infections. However, only 9% abstained

from sexual relations if a partner refused to use a condom. Another 10% asked if their partner underwent

an HIV test and 6% asked the partner to undergo such a test. 8% asked their partner to undergo a test for

sexually transmitted infection.

Among Youth there are more who discussed safe sex with their partner (45%). This is a decrease in

comparison with 2014 when it reached 54%. Also, there is a decrease in the number of those who

discussed previous relations with a partner (36% in 2015 and 44% in 2014). 18% decided to abstain from

sex if a partner refused to use condom.

16% of respondents of Dnipropetrovska oblast refused to have sex without a condom, which is almost

half the level in 2014 (30%). Also among the residents of Dnipropetrovska oblast there is a significant

decrease in those who discussed safe sex with their partner (28% versus 38% in 2014) and those who

asked a partner to use condom (22% versus 34% in 2014).

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 63% 68% 58%

2014 67% 67% 56%

2015 6% 5% 10%

2014 5% 8% 7%

2015 2% 1% 1%

2014 2% 4% 5%

2015 0% 0% 0%

2014 1% 0% 1%

2015 1% 0% 2%

2014 0% 0% 0%

2015 0% 1% 0%

2014 0% 1% 1%

2015 28% 25% 29%

2014 24% 20% 29%

2015 1106 275 275

2014 1086 264 282

More than 10


N

One

Two

Three

Four

Five to ten

36

Graph 4.9 THERE ARE SITUATIONS LISTED BELOW, WHICH PEOPLE IN RELATIONSHIPS CAN COME ACROSS. PLEASE SPECIFY FOR EACH SITUATION WHETHER YOU HAVE COME ACROSS IT IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP. IF IT DOESN’T APPLY TO YOU, SPECIFY THE CORRESPONDING ANSWER OPTION

% of respondents who have ever had a sexual intercourse

Most respondents have never undergone an HIV test – 60% among the total population, 67% among

Youth. In comparison with 2015 there is a decrease in those who did not undergo a test in

Dnipropetrovska oblast (41% in 2015 comparing with 53% in 2014).

Graph 4.10 HAVE YOU UNDERGONE A HIV TEST? % of all respondents

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 30% 28% 45%

2014 34% 38% 54%

2015 26% 23% 36%

2014 26% 28% 44%

2015 19% 22% 33%

2014 19% 34% 38%

2015 19% 29% 20%

2014 19% 33% 24%

2015 10% 17% 15%

2014 13% 16% 23%

2015 9% 16% 18%

2014 8% 30% 17%

2015 8% 9% 10%

2014 8% 7% 11%

2015 6% 9% 9%

2014 6% 7% 10%

2015 1382 320 296

2014 1351 311 301

I discussed safe sex with my partner

I discussed past sexual relations with

my partner

I decided to abstain from a sexual

contact as my partner refused to use a

condom

N

I asked my partner to use condoms

I underwent a sexually-transmitted

infections test

I inquired about whether my partner

underwent HIV test

I asked my partner to undergo a

sexually-transmitted infections test

I asked my partner to undergo an HIV

test

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 5% 6% 4%

2014 4% 5% 4%

2015 13% 27% 9%

2014 12% 14% 9%

2015 13% 22% 12%

2014 16% 22% 19%

2015 60% 41% 67%

2014 62% 53% 64%

2015 9% 4% 8%

2014 6% 5% 5%

2015 1502 340 403

2014 1479 321 411N

I undergo it regularly

I did it a couple of times but not

regularly

I did it once

I didn’t do it


37

Among those who have never used condoms, or who use them but not always, a half of respondents

(50%) have never undergone an HIV test, 17% did it once, 19% – did it a couple of times but do not take

the test regularly and only 7% pass the test regularly.

Graph 4.11 HAVE YOU UNDERGONE A HIV TEST? % of respondents who not always or never use condoms not because they have one permanent partner

Most people who underwent the test did it because they needed a mandatory health certificate (including

those who did it in connection with pregnancy): 80% of total population of Ukraine, 80% of Youth and

86% respondents of Dnipropetrovska oblast.

16% Ukrainians did it just for themselves thinking they might have HIV. There are 13% of such

respondents among Youth, 9% among the residents of Dnipropetrovska oblast.

Graph 4.12 WHY DID YOU UNDERGO THE TEST? % of respondents who passed an HIV test

Population of

Ukraine

2015 7%

2014 7%

2015 19%

2014 17%

2015 17%

2014 24%

2015 50%

2014 50%

2015 6%

2014 2%

2015 366

2014 364

I didn’t do it


N

I undergo it regularly

I did it a couple of times but not

regularly

I did it once

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 80% 86% 80%

2014 81% 86% 80%

2015 16% 9% 13%

2014 11% 6% 12%

2015 4% 2% 5%

2014 3% 4% 7%

2015 2% 1% 2%

2014 0% 0% 1%

2015 2% 5% 1%

2014 ─ ─ ─2015 0% 0% 0%

2014 3% 2% 1%

2015 3% 0% 2%

2014 4% 3% 6%

2015 523 199 119

2014 518 152 138

For my own peace of mind/ I thought I

might have HIV

I was convinced at a public event / I

went for company

At my partner’s request

On the doctor`s perscription during the

medical tratment

Other


N

I needed a mandatory health certificate

(including owing to pregnancy)

38

Among those who never use condoms or use them but not always, and who had a test, 70% got tested

because they needed a mandatory health certificate (including those who did it in connection with

pregnancy), 22% underwent the test for their own peace of mind which means that having has

unprotected sex (not with one permanent partner) was not a motivation for HIV testing.

Graph 4.13 WHY DID YOU UNDERGO THE TEST? % of respondents who who not always or never use condoms not because they have one permanent partner and passed an HIV test

The popular places to get tested for HIV are the women’s consultations centres: 31% among the total

population. 14% visited trust cabinets/AIDS centres, and 5% family doctors. 45% of the respondents took

the test in other medical institutions. There are similar results among Youth and population of

Dnipropetrovska oblast.

Graph 4.14 WHERE HAVE YOU UNDERGONE AN HIV TEST? % of respondents have passed an HIV-test

Population of

Ukraine

2015 70%

2014 79%

2015 22%

2014 14%

2015 9%

2014 4%

2015 5%

2014 0%

2015 3%

2014 ─2015 0%

2014 2%

2015 2%

2014 2%

2015 120

2014 184

At my partner’s request

On the doctor`s perscription during the

medical tratment

Other


N

For my own peace of mind/ I thought I

might have HIV

I was convinced at a public event / I

went for company

I needed a mandatory health certificate

(including owing to pregnancy)

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

Other medical institution 2015 45% 42% 35%

Women’s consultations 2015 31% 33% 34%

Trust cabinets/AIDS centers 2015 14% 13% 16%

Family doctor 2015 5% 5% 7%

Used test-systems by yourself 2015 2% 0% 3%

2015 2% 0% 3%

Mobile laboratory 2015 2% 1% 3%

NGOs 2015 1% 4% 1%

2015 0% 2% 0%

N 2015 523 199 119

Ambulatory actions of different

organizations (quick testing)

Difficult to answer

39

Regarding the convenience of HIV-testing the responses were the following: 19% would prefer to use

test-systems by themselves, 17% would use the services of trust cabinets/AIDS centers, and 15% –

women’s consultation. Youth to a greater extent believes it is convenient to use test-systems by

themselves (26%) or to use the services of trust cabinet /AIDS-center (23%).

On the contrary the residents of Dnipropetrovska oblast believe it’s more convenient to get tested in

women’s consultation (20%), to use test-system by themselves (17%), and also to pass an HIV-test at

mobile laboratories (14%).

Graph 4.15 WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO UNDERGO AN HIV TEST? % of all respondents

Of those who got tested for HIV the overwhelming majority were satisfied with the quality of the HIV

testing procedure: 83% among Ukrainians, 87% among Youth and 93% in Dnipropetrovska oblast. Only

6% of Ukrainians who had had a test were dissatisfied or partly dissatisfied with the quality of HIV testing

procedure and consultation (the number of them increased in comparison to 2014 when it reached 3%).

Most of the complaints regarding the quality of the consultation and testing procedure deal with impolite

medical personnel and lack of necessary information. However, the number of such respondents is

insufficient for reliable observation.

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

To use test-systems by yourself 2015 19% 17% 26%

Trust cabinets/AIDS centers 2015 17% 9% 23%

Women’s consultations 2015 15% 20% 15%

Other medical institution 2015 13% 12% 10%

Mobile laboratory 2015 10% 14% 12%

Family doctor 2015 9% 6% 4%

2015 9% 10% 9%

Nowhere, I would not undergo the test 2015 4% 1% 1%

NGOs 2015 3% 4% 2%

Difficult to answer 2015 13% 12% 10%

N 2015 1502 340 403

Ambulatory actions of different

organizations (quick testing)

40

Graph 4.16 WERE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE QUALITY OF HIV TESTING PROCEDURE AND CONSULTATION? % of respondents who have passed an HIV-test (except for those who use test-system by themselves)

Out of respondents who have passed an HIV test, 30% of Ukrainians, 34% of residents of

Dnipropetrovska oblast underwent an HIV test within the last 12 months. The proportion of Youth who

have passed the test in the last year is significantly higher at 52%.

Graph 4.17 HAVE YOU UNDERGONE HIV TEST IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS? % of respondents, who have passed an HIV-test

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 83% 93% 87%

2014 80% 92% 81%

2015 6% 1% 8%

2014 9% 5% 10%

2015 5% 1% 2%

2014 2% 1% 3%

2015 1% 2% 1%

2014 1% 1% 0%

2015 5% 3% 2%

2014 8% 1% 6%

2015 515 199 116

2014 511 151 136N

Yes

Yes, but no consultation was

proposed

Partly yes, partly no

No

Don’t know

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 30% 34% 52%

2014 30% 38% 41%

2015 67% 63% 48%

2014 64% 57% 55%

2015 3% 4% 0%

2014 6% 5% 5%

2015 523 199 119

2014 518 152 138

Yes

No

Don't remember / Difficult to answer

N

41

Among the respondents who have passed an HIV-test in the last 12 month 94% are aware of their result.

Among Youth this indicator is 100%.

Graph 4.18 DO YOU KNOW YOUR RESULTS? % of respondents who have passed HIV/AIDS test in the last 12 months

Among those respondents who did not undergo HIV testing within the last 12 month the prevailing

majority simply did not feel the need.

Another reason for not taking the test was respondents’ confidence that they do not have HIV (18%

overall in Ukraine, 9% in Dnipropetrovska oblast and 20% among Youth).

4% did not want to pay for testing. 5% did not know where to pass an HIV-test or did not know at all that

such test can be taken.

Graph 4.19 WHY DIDN’T YOU UNDERGO THE TEST? % of respondents who did not undergo a HIV-test in the last 12 month or never passed it

29% of Ukrainians are interested in taking an HIV test if it is free of charge. Among Youth there are 43%

of such respondents and among the residents of Dnipropetrovska oblast 33%. Among the residents of

Dnipropetrovska oblast there is a significant increase in those who would like to take a free HIV-test (62%

in 2015 versus 50% in 2014).

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 94% 96% 100%

2014 89% 90% 92%

2015 3% 0% 0%

2014 3% 4% 4%

2015 2% 0% 0%

2014 3% 0% 1%

2015 1% 4% 0%

2014 5% 6% 3%

2015 185 77 58

2014 204 68 68

Yes

No

Don't rememberr

Refuse

N

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

I do not feel need to undergo the test 2015 71% 83% 67%

I am sure there is no chance that I

might have HIV or AIDS 201518% 9% 20%

I don’t want to pay for it 2015 4% 5% 3%

I don’t know where to do it 2015 3% 1% 5%

2015 3% 1% 4%

2015 2% 1% 3%

I don’t trust the reliability of the test 2015 2% 0% 3%

I am afraid of the test results 2015 1% 0% 0%

2015 4% 4% 6%

N 2015 1198 251 314

I don’t want the other to know I

undergo the testI did not know one could have a test

for HIV


42

Graph 4.20 WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE A FREE HIV TEST IF YOU WERE OFFERED TO? % of all respondents

Out of respondents who have never taken an HIV test, 22% would do it if it’s free of charge. Among Youth

this figure reached 37%, and among the population of Dnipropetrovska oblast – 23%.

Graph 4.21 WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE A FREE HIV TEST IF YOU WERE OFFERED TO? % of respondents who have never passed an HIV test

Аlmost half of those who always use condoms would like to take a free HIV test (49%). There are fewer

willing to do so among those who use condoms from time to time (46%) or who do not use them because

of having a permanent partner (29%, down from 40% in 2014).

Graph 4.22 WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE A FREE HIV TEST IF YOU WERE OFFERED ONE? % of respondents who: always use condoms; use condoms from time to time; do not use condomes because of having one trusted partner. Population of Ukraine

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 29% 33% 43%

2014 32% 39% 43%

2015 59% 62% 47%

2014 57% 50% 43%

2015 12% 5% 11%

2014 11% 11% 14%

2015 1502 340 403

2014 1479 321 411

Yes

No


N

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 22% 23% 37%

2014 25% 27% 38%

2015 64% 72% 50%

2014 65% 62% 49%

2015 14% 6% 12%

2014 10% 11% 13%

2015 979 141 284

2014 961 169 273

No


N

Yes

Always use

condoms

Not always use

condoms

Do not use con-

doms, because of

having a perma-

nent partner

2015 49% 46% 29%

2014 49% 42% 40%

2015 44% 43% 57%

2014 41% 42% 52%

2015 8% 11% 14%

2014 10% 16% 7%

2015 195 316 339

2014 200 326 357N

Yes

No


43

5 Attitude to PLWH

68% of Ukrainians think that people infected with HIV have the right to keep it a secret (69% of Youth and

68% of respondents in Dnipropetrovska oblast).

40% of Ukrainians (down from 44% in 2014) believe people get HIV only because of their carelessness

and immoral behaviour. At the same time 52% disagree or rather disagree with such a statement, an

increase from 45% in 2014). 37% of Ukrainians think that the rights of HIV-positive people are violated in

Ukraine, down from 44% in 2014.

27% of respondents consider HIV to be a «divine retribution», and 19% that people living with HIV/AIDS

should be isolated.

Youth and population of Dnipropetrovska oblast have rather similar results to the total population. At the

same time among the residents of Dnipropetrovska oblast there is a decrease in a number of those who

think that people can be HIV-infected because of their own carelessness and immoral behaviour (38% in

2015 and 49% in 2014) and, respectively there is an increase up to 54% of those who do not think this

way (46% in 2014). There is a decrease in a number of those who think that the rights of people with

HIV/AIDS are violated (34% in 2015 and 47% in 2014).

Among Youth there is also a decrease in those who think that the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS

are violated in Ukraine (34% in 2015 versus 43% in 2014).

Graph 5.1 PLEASE, STATE, TO WHAT EXTENT YOU AGREE OR DSAGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS REGARDING HIV-INFECTED PEOPLE. % of all respondents

The survey includes four main levels of perception of PLWH: the perception of unfamiliar PLWH

(Bogardus scale), perception of acquaintances in case of getting HIV, perception of the acquaintances

that are PLWH and perception of HIV-positive children.

The Bogardus scale consists of 7 steps, which mean that representatives of a certain group can be

accepted as 1) family members 2) close friends 3) neighbours 4) colleagues 5) residents of Ukraine 6)

visitors of Ukraine 7) can’t be accepted even as visitors of Ukraine. Acceptance as each group presumes

Completely

or rather

DISAGREE

Completely

or rather

AGREE

Completely

or rather

DISAGREE

Completely

or rather

AGREE

Completely

or rather

DISAGREE

Completely

or rather

AGREE

2015 22% 68% 11% 68% 21% 69%

2014 22% 65% 23% 73% 18% 69%

2015 52% 40% 54% 38% 52% 39%

2014 45% 44% 46% 49% 48% 41%

2015 39% 37% 31% 34% 43% 34%

2014 27% 44% 36% 47% 28% 43%

2015 54% 27% 52% 22% 61% 18%

2014 51% 27% 58% 27% 57% 21%

2015 62% 19% 46% 26% 61% 18%

2014 ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─

2015

2014

People infected with HIV or AIDS

have the right to keep it

confidential

People only get HIV because of

personal carelessness and

immoral behavior

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

403

Population of Ukraine

411

340

321

Rights of the people who live with

HIV/AIDS are violated in Ukraine

N1502

1479

HIV and AIDS are divine

retribution

People living with HIV/AIDS

should be isolated

44

the respondent accepts the subsequent, for example if a respondent accepts PLWH as neighbours then

he accepts them as colleagues, residents and visitors of Ukraine as well, and so on.

Only 15% of Ukrainians are ready to admit PLWH as colleagues, or neighbours, or close friends, or family

members. Regarding the other vulnerable groups this figure is even smaller – 13% for homosexuals, 11%

for bisexuals, 8% commercial sex workers, and 6% for IDUs.

More than a half of Ukrainians do not tolerate PLWH: 70% of respondents say they agree to have PLWH

as no closer than residents of Ukraine or visitors to Ukraine or would keep them out of Ukraine altogether

(at the same time, the number of those who would not let such people to enter Ukraine significantly

increased: in 2015 – 34%, while in 2014 – 27%). Regarding the other vulnerable groups this figure is

higher – 83% for IDUs (there is a noticeable increase in a number of those who would not let them into

country at all: 65% in 2015 versus 52% in 2014), 74% for homosexuals (level of intolerance towards

homosexuals increased: if in 2014 the number of those who would not let them into the country was 45%,

in 2015 52%), 73% for bisexuals, 79% for commercial sex workers (there is also an increase in a number

of those who would not let such people to the country: 51% in 2015 versus 43% in 2014).

In general results are similar among Youth: 16% are ready to admit PLWH as colleagues, neighbours (the

number of respondents ready for the neighborhood with PLHW increased to 6% in 2015 from 3% in

2014), close friends or even family members; at the same time 11% are ready to accept bisexuals that

close, 11% homosexuals, 7% IDUs, and 9% commercial sex workers.

The population of Dnipropetrovska oblast is the least tolerant group: about 2% are ready to accept PLHW

as colleagues or closer, the same number for homosexuals, and about 1% forbisexuals. Only 3% are

ready to accept that close IDUs, and 1% commercial sex workers.

45

Graph 5.2 PLEASE ASSESS YOUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE REPRESENTATIVES OF DIFFERENT GROUPS BY THE FOLLOWING ACCESS LEVELS. EACH ACCESS LEVEL IN THE SCALE PROVIDES FOR ALL THE FOLLOWING ACCESS LEVELS, FOR EXAMPLE IF A GROUP IS ACCEPTED AS A FAMILY MEMBER, IT IS ALSO ACCEPTED AS FRIENDS, NEIGHBOURS, ETC. I AGREE TO ACCEPT THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THIS GROUP AS… % of all respondents: population of Ukraine, N 2014 =1479, N 2015 = 1502

3%

2%

4%

3%

6%

4%

5%

3%

5%

3%

4%

5%

4%

4%

3%

3%

2%

1%

28%

33%

13%

18%

14%

19%

24%

12%

21%

8%

6%

11%

11%

13%

9%

9%

6%

6%

34%

27%

52%

45%

46%

51%

43%

65%

52%

16%

22%

12%

18%

16%

16%

20%

10%

17%

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

My family members Close friendsNeighbours ColleaguesResidents of Ukraine Visitors of Ukraine

I’d keep them out of Ukraine at all Difficult to answer

HIV-positive people

Homosexuals

Bisexuals

Commercial sex workers

Injection drug users

46

Graph 5.3 ASSESS YOUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE REPRESENTATIVES OF DIFFERENT GROUPS BY THE FOLLOWING ACCESS LEVELS

% of all respondents: Dnipropetrovska oblast, N 2014 =321, N 2015 = 340;

Graph 5.4 ASSESS YOUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE REPRESENTATIVES OF DIFFERENT GROUPS BY THE FOLLOWING ACCESS LEVELS % усіх респондентів: Youth (15-24), N 2014 = 411, N 2015 = 403;

1%

1%

2%

3%

3%

48%

38%

9%

30%

7%

29%

31%

28%

30%

7%

8%

14%

19%

20%

8%

15%

7%

12%

32%

37%

65%

42%

61%

50%

44%

57%

52%

11%

14%

10%

5%

11%

12%

8%

5%

6%

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

My family members Close friendsNeighbours ColleaguesResidents of Ukraine Visitors of UkraineI’d keep them out of Ukraine at all Difficult to answer

HIV-positive people

Homosexuals

Bisexuals



2%

2%

4%

6%

5%

5%

6%

3%

3%

2%

3%

4%

1%

4%

1%

5%

3%

3%

32%

33%

18%

19%

19%

25%

26%

19%

23%

8%

8%

15%

12%

16%

8%

8%

5%

9%

25%

22%

40%

41%

35%

38%

38%

55%

46%

19%

23%

17%

19%

19%

20%

24%

14%

18%

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

My family members Close friendsNeighbours ColleaguesResidents of Ukraine Visitors of UkraineI’d keep them out of Ukraine at all Difficult to answer

HIV-positive people

Homosexuals

Bisexuals



47

Over a half of Ukrainians (59%) say that finding out about an HIV-positive status of one of their friends or

colleagues wouldn’t change their attitude and/or they would like to help such friend or colleague (the

number of those whose attitude would not change significantly increased: 43% in 2015 versus 30% in

2015). Among Youth this figure reached 68% (in this group there is also an increase in the share of those

whose attitude wouldn’t change), and among population of Dnipropetrovska oblast it was54%.

In all target groups there is a significant decrease in those who would feel it unpleasant to communicate

with HIV-infected person.

Graph 5.5 WOULD YOU CHANGE THE WAY YOU TREAT YOUR FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES, OR FELLOW STUDENTS IF YOU KNOW THEY ARE HIV-POSITIVЕ? % of all respondents

Those respondents who would try to communicate less or stop communicating at all with an HIV positive

friend/colleague most often explained it by the fear of getting infected (57% for Ukrainians, 58% for Youth

and 51% for population of Dnipropetrovska oblast). 25% of Ukrainians (up significantly from 18% in

2014), 27% of population of Dnipropetrovska oblast and 21% of Youth will try to communicate less with

an HIV positive person because they think HIV is a result of immoral behaviour.

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 16% 13% 19%

2014 16% 9% 16%

2015 43% 41% 49%

2014 30% 32% 38%

2015 13% 16% 9%

2014 18% 26% 18%

2015 10% 12% 9%

2014 12% 17% 11%

2015 6% 5% 3%

2014 6% 6% 3%

2015 12% 13% 11%

2014 17% 11% 13%

2015 1502 340 403

2014 1479 321 411

It will be uncomfortable to communicate

with them, but I’ll try not to show this

I’ll try to communicate with them less

I’ll stop communicating with them at all

Difficult to answer

N

I’d do what I could to help them

My attitude won’t change

48

Graph 5.6 WHY CAN YOUR ATTITUDE CHANGE FOR WORSE? % of respondents who stated they will try to communicate less with or abstain from communication with PLHW

4% of Ukrainians have PLWH among acquaintances. This share has hardly changed since 2014. Graph 5.7 ARE THERE ANY HIV-POSITIVЕ PEOPLE AMONG THE PEOPLE YOU KNOW? % of all respondents

Among those who know PLWH, 77% say that they treat them as ordinary people, 18% try to avoid

communicating with them, and 3% of Ukrainians who know PLWH demonstrate an openly negative

attitude toward PLWH.

Graph 5.8

WHAT IS YOUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS THEM?

% of all respondents, who know anyone HIV-positive: all sample, N=71

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 57% 51% 58%

2014 60% 63% 63%

2015 25% 27% 21%

2014 18% 33% 14%

2015 1% 2% 1%

2014 2% 0% 1%

2015 22% 21% 26%

2014 26% 18% 24%

2015 616 147 126

2014 777 186 191

I m afraid that I could get infected

I would think it was their fault they got

infected because of their immorality

Other

Difficult to answer

N

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 4% 6% 3%

2014 5% 6% 3%

2015 96% 94% 97%

2014 95% 94% 97%

2015 1502 340 403

2014 1479 321 411N

Yes

No

Population of

Ukraine

2015 77%

2014 58%

2015 18%

2014 27%

2015 3%

2014 4%

2015 2%

2014 11%

2015 68

2014 71

I treat them as ordinary people

N

I dislike them and make no secret of it

Difficult to answer

I treat them as ordinary people

outwardly, but I try to avoid

communicating with them

49

Those, who know HIV-positive persons and treat them worse than ordinary people, explain their

behaviour by being afraid of getting infected/worried about their kids getting infected or blame PLHW for

immoral behavior but the number of these cases is not enough for the reliable analysis.

37% (up from33% in 2014) of the total population think it is ok for HIV-positive children to attend the same

school with HIV-negative children (38% among Youth and only 23% among the population of

Dnipropetrovska oblast).

Graph 5.9 IN YOUR OPINION, IS IT OK FOR HIV-POSITIVE CHILDREN TO GO TO SAME SCHOOL AS HIV-NEGATIVE CHILDREN DO? % of all respondents

Among those respondents who don’t agree that it is ok for HIV-positive children to attend the same

schools HIV-negative children go to the main reason was that children could get infected (57% among

Ukrainians, 49% among Youth and 47% among the population of Dnipropetrovska oblast). However, it

should be noted that the proportion afraid of getting infected decreased in all three groups since 2014.

Also, respondents consider that an HIV-positive child could hardly come from a good family and can

therefore have a bad influence on other children (29% among Ukrainians, 33% among Youth and 39% in

Dnipropetrovska oblast). Here an opposite trend can be observed – the number of those who think that

way increased in all three groups.

Graph 5.10 WHY COULD YOU NOT AGREE WITH THAT? % of respondents who could not agree that it is ok for HIV-positive children to attend the same schools HIV-negative children

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 37% 23% 38%

2014 33% 23% 39%

2015 26% 24% 32%

2014 23% 26% 22%

2015 23% 37% 18%

2014 28% 37% 23%

2015 14% 16% 13%

2014 16% 14% 16%

2015 1502 340 403

2014 1479 321 411N

Yes

It depends

No

Don’t know / not sure

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 57% 47% 49%

2014 68% 67% 64%

2015 29% 39% 33%

2014 16% 27% 12%

2015 0% 0% 0%

2014 1% 1% 1%

2015 18% 18% 22%

2014 21% 16% 25%

2015 975 264 250

2014 992 239 255

Negative children could get infected

Other

Difficult to answer

N

An HIV-positive child could hardly come

from a good family and can have bad

influence on other children

50

46% of Ukrainians (up significantly from 36% in 2014) would advise a person whose partner has

contracted HIV to continue the relationship with additional HIV-preventive measures, while 20% (down

from28% in 2014) would recommend they end the relationship. Among the population of Dnipropetrovska

oblast these figures reach 43% and 20% (the share of “intolerant” decreased in comparison to 2014).

Youth demonstrates the highest level of tolerance: 53% versus 14%.

Graph 5.11 WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONEWHOSE GIRLFRIEND OF BOYFRIEND HAS CONTRACTED HIV?


The majority of respondents in each of the target groups would not buy vegetables from an HIV-positive

salesman or say that it will depend on situation. Also, approximately one quarter of respondents in each

target group do not know what they would do in such situation. The share of those who definitely would

not buy vegetables from a HIV-positive salesman significantly decreased in comparison to 2014 among

total population and population of Dnipropetrovska oblast.

Graph 5.12 IF YOU GET TO KNOW THAT SALESMAN HAS HIV, WOULD YOU BUY FRESH VEGETABLES FROM HIM?


Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 46% 43% 53%

2014 36% 38% 44%

2015 20% 20% 14%

2014 28% 31% 21%

2015 15% 13% 14%

2014 17% 13% 17%

2015 19% 24% 19%

2014 20% 18% 19%

2015 1502 340 403

2014 1479 321 411

To continue relationship, taking HIV and

AIDS prevention measures

Withdraw from that person

Don’t know

Difficult to answer

N

Population of

Ukraine

Dnipropetrovska

oblastYouth (15-24)

2015 15% 11% 13%

2014 15% 12% 20%

2015 24% 25% 31%

2014 21% 21% 20%

2015 41% 39% 36%

2014 47% 51% 43%

2015 20% 25% 20%

2014 17% 16% 17%

2015 1502 340 403

2014 1479 321 411N

Yes

It depends

No

Don’t know / not sure

51

6 Core indicators for Global AIDS Response Progress Reporting 5

The indicators were constructed for monitoring the United Nations Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS

and correspondent questions for their measurement were added to the survey upon the request of

UCDC.

1.1 Indicator 1. Percentage of young people aged 15–24 who both correctly identify

ways of preventing the sexual transmission of HIV and who reject major

misconceptions about HIV transmission

The 5 questions on HIV prevention which were chosen for indicator are presented in Table 6.1.1.

Table 6.1.1 Percentage of young men and women aged 15-24 who gave correct answers to questions: 2015: N=403; 2014: N=411

2015 2014

1. Is it possible to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by engaging in sexual intercourse only with a constant and faithful partner that doesn't have any other sexual partners?

88% 88%

2. Is it possible to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by using condoms during each sexual intercourse?

79% 85%

3. Is it a correct statement that a healthy-looking person can be HIV-positive? 71% 72%

4. Is the transmission possible through a mosquito bite? 49% 50%

5. Is it possible to get HIV by sharing food with an HIV-positive person? 53% 55%

The indicator was calculated by dividing the number of respondents aged 15-24 who gave the correct

answer to all five questions on HIV prevention (see Table 6.1.1) by total amount of respondents aged 15-

24.

Table 6.1.2 Indicator 1 Respondents aged 15-24, 2015: N=403; 2014: N=411

2015 2014

Numerator Amount of respondents aged 15-24 who gave correct answer to all five questions 20% 23%

Denominator Total amount of respondents aged 15-24

Table 6.1.3 Indicator 1, by gender Male respondents aged 15-24, 2015: N=203; 2014: N=217; Female respondents aged 15-24, 2015: N=200; 2014: N=194

2015 2014

MALE Numerator Amount of male respondents aged 15-25 who gave correct

answers to all five questions 21% 25% Denominator Total amount of male respondents aged 15-24

FEMALE Numerator Amount of female respondents aged 15-25 who gave correct

answers to all five questions 19% 21% Denominator Total amount of female respondents aged 15-24

5http://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/media_asset/GARPR_2014_guidelines_en_0.pdf

http://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/media_asset/GARPR_2014_guidelines_en_0.pdf

52

Table 6.1.4 Indicator 1, by age group Respondents aged 15-19, 2015: N=177; 2014: N=183; Respondents aged 20-24, 2015: N=220; 2014: N=228;

2015 2014

15-19 Numerator Amount of respondents aged 15-19 who gave correct

answers to all five questions 14% 19%


20-24 Numerator Amount of respondents aged 20-24 who gave correct

answers to all five questions 25% 26%


1.2 Indicator 2. Percentage of young men and women aged 15-24 who have had sexual

intercourse before the age of 15

The indicator was calculated by dividing the number of respondents aged 15-24 who have had sexual

intercourse before the age of 15 by total amount of respondents aged 15-24.


2015 2014

Numerator Amount of respondents aged 15-24 who had sexual intercourse before the age of 15 5% 3%



2015 2014

MALE Numerator

Amount of male respondents aged 15-24 who had sexual intercourse before the age of 15 6% 6%

Denominator Total amount of male respondents aged 15-24

FEMALE Numerator

Amount of female respondents aged 15-24 who had sexual intercourse before the age of 15 3% 0%

Denominator Total amount of female respondents aged 15-24

Table 6.2.3 Indicator 2, by age group Respondents aged 15-19, 2015: N=177; 2014: N=183; Respondents aged 20-24, 2015: N=220; 2014: N=228

2015 2014

15-19 Numerator

Amount of respondents aged 15-19 who had sexual intercourse before the age of 15 2% 4%


20-24 Numerator

Amount of respondents aged 20-24 who had sexual intercourse before the age of 15 7% 3%


53

1.3 Indicator 3. Percentage of men and women aged 15-49 who have had sexual

intercourse with more than one partner in the past 12 months

The indicator was calculated by dividing the number of respondents aged 15-49 who have had sexual

intercourse with more than one partner in the past 12 months by total amount of respondents aged 15-49.


2015 2014

Numerator Amount of men and women aged 15-49 who have had sexual intercourse with more than one partner in the past 12 months 10% 9%


Table 6.3.2 Indicator 3, by gender Male respondents aged 15-49, 2015: N=492; 2014:N=515; Female respondents 15-49, 2015: N=508; 2014: N=495

2015 2014

MALE Numerator

Amount of male respondents aged 15-49 who have had sexual intercourse with more than one partner in the past 12 months

14% 11%


FEMALE Numerator

Amount of female respondents aged 15-49 who have had sexual intercourse with more than one partner in the past 12 months

5% 7%


Table 6.3.3 Indicator 3, by age group Respondents aged 15-19, 2015: N=177; 2014: N=183; Respondents aged 20-24, 2015: N=220; 2014: N=228; Respondents aged 25-49, 2015: N=603; 2014: N=599

2015 2014

15-19 Numerator

Amount of respondents aged 15-19 who have had sexual intercourse with more than one partner in the past 12 months 3% 9%


20-24 Numerator



25-49 Numerator



54

1.4 Indicator 4. Percentage of women and men aged 15-49 who had more than one

partner in the past 12 months and used a condom during their last sexual

intercourse

The indicator was calculated by dividing the number of respondents aged 15-49 who had more than one

partner in the past 12 months and used a condom during their last sexual intercourse by total amount of

respondents aged 15-49 who have been intimate with more than one partner in the past 12 months..

Table 6.4.1 Indicator 4 Respondents aged 15-49 who have been intimate with more than one partner in the past 12 months, 2015: N=93; 2014: N=95

2015 2014

Numerator Amount of men and women aged 15-49 who had more than one partner in the past 12 months and used a condom during the last sexual intercourse 56% 61%

Denominator Total amount of men and women aged 15-49 who have been intimate with more than one partner in the past 12 months

Table 6.4.2 Indicator 4, by gender Male respondents aged 15-49 who have been intimate with more than one partner in the past 12 months, 2015: N=64; 2014: N=62; Female respondents aged 15-49, who have been intimate with more than one partner in the past 12 months, 2015: N=29*; 2014: N=33*

2015 2014

MALE Numerator

Amount of male respondents aged 15-49 who had more than one sexual partner in the past 12 months and used a condom during the last sexual intercourse 60% 53%

Denominator Total amount of male respondents aged 15-49 who had more than one sexual partner in the past 12 months

FEMALE Numerator

Amount of female respondents aged 15-49 who had more than one sexual partner in the past 12 months and used a condom during the last sexual intercourse 56% 74%

Denominator Total amount of female respondents aged 15-49 who had more than one sexual partner in the past 12 months

* The number of cases is not sufficient for reliable analysis

55

1.5 Indicator 5. Percentage of women and men aged 15-49 who have undergone an HIV

test in the past 12 months and know their results

The indicator was calculated by dividing the number of respondents aged 15-49 who received an HIV test

in the past 12 months and know their results by total amount of respondents aged 15-49.


2015 2014

Numerator Amount of men and women aged 15-49 who have undergone HIV-testing in the past 12 months and know their results 12% 14%



2015 2014

MALE Numerator

Amount of male respondents aged 15-49 who have undergone HIV-testing in the past 12 months and know their results

10% 13%


FEMALE Numerator

Amount of female respondents aged 15-49 who have undergone HIV-testing in the past 12 months and know their results

13% 15%


Table 6.5.3 Indicator 5, by age group Respondents aged 15-19, 2015: N=177; 2014: N=183; Respondents aged 20-24, 2015: N=220; 2014: N=228; Respondents aged 25-49, 2015: N=603; 2014: N=599

2015 2014

15-19 Numerator

Amount of men and women aged 15-19 who have undergone HIV-testing in the past 12 months and know their results 5% 8%


20-24 Numerator



25-49 Numerator



56

1.6 Indicator 6. Percentage of women and men aged 15–49 who report discriminatory

attitudes towards PLWH

The indicator was calculated by dividing the number of respondents aged 15-49 who report discriminatory

attitudes towards people living with HIV by total amount of respondents aged 15-49.


2015 2014

Numerator

Amount of men and women aged 15-49 who answered «No» or «It depends on situation» to at least one of the questions:

Would you buy fresh vegetables from a salesman if you know he had HIV?

Is it ok for HIV-positive children to attend the same schools HIV-negative children go to?

76% 74%

Denominator Total amount of men and women aged 15-49

Table 6.6.2 Percentage of respondents aged 15-49 who answered «No» or «It depends on the situation» to the question “Would you buy fresh vegetables from a salesman if you know he had HIV?” Respondents aged 15-49, 2015: N=1000; 2014: N=1010

2015 2014

Numerator Amount of men and women aged 15-49 who answered «No» or «It depends on the situation» to the question “Would you buy fresh vegetables from a salesman if you know he had HIV?” 64% 66%


Table 6.6.3 Percentage of respondents aged 15-49 who answered «No» or «It depends on the situation» to the question “Is it ok for HIV-positive children to attend the same schools HIV-negative children go to?” Respondents aged 15-49, 2015: N=1000; 2014: N=1010

2015 2014

Numerator Amount of men and women aged 15-49 who answered «No» or «It depends on the situation» to the question “Is it ok for HIV-positive children to attend the same schools HIV-negative children go to?” 48% 49%


57

7 Conclusions and recommendations

1.1 Awareness about the “Don’t Give AIDS a Chance!” campaign and National AIDS

helpline

39% of Ukrainians have at some point heard about the information campaign "Don’t Give AIDS a

Chance!"6.

The most common sources of information about the “Don’t Give AIDS a Chance” campaign in

Ukraine are the TV (24%), outdoor ads/billboards (17%), brochures (8%), newspapers (7%), Internet

other than social media (6%), social media (5%), radio (5%), actions in the settlement (5%), and medical

workers (4%). Compared with 2014 Ukrainians heard the information about the campaign less often from

TV (29% in 2014 vs. 24% in 2015) and more often from brochures (5% vs. 8%), social media (2% vs.

5%), actions in the settlement (1% vs. 5%), and medical workers (2% vs. 4%).

At the same time the share of Ukrainians who heard about the National AIDS helpline has decreased

significantly in 2015 (from 39% in 2014 to 33% in 2015). Among those who have heard about the

campaign 56% know about the National AIDS helpline (vs. 62% in 2014), while among those who are not

aware of the campaign only 18% have heard about the helpline (vs. 25% in 2014).

Most Ukrainians (73%) who heard about the helpline know that the helpline is free. A quarter of

Ukrainians do not know anything about the price of the helpline and only 4% think that the helpline isn't

free.

Among those Ukrainians who have heard about the helpline the following were given as possible

reasons for making a call: if the caller suspects him/herself to have HIV (58%); if the caller wishes to

hear general information about HIV (46%); to ask where to have HIV test (36%); and to ask about how to

prevent getting HIV (34%).

Youth7

52% heard about the information campaign "Don’t Give AIDS a Chance!" (vs. 39% among the

total population).

Youth were more likely than the total population to have heard about the campaign from outdoor

ads/billboards (26%) and Internet other than social media (13%).

46% had heard about the National AIDS helpline (vs. 33% among total population). The indicator

significantly increased from 42% in 2014.

The population of Dnipropetrovska oblast

54% heard about the information campaign "Don’t Give AIDS a Chance!" (vs. 39% among the

total population).

The population of Dnipropetrovska oblast were more likely than the total population to have heard

about the campaign from TV (40%), outdoor ads/billboards (34%), radio (10%).

6 From here and after only significant differences are mentioned between 2014 and 2015 7 From here and after only significant differences are mentioned between the total population of Ukraine on one side

and Youth/population of Dnipropetrovska oblast on the other

58

1.2 HIV awareness

59% of Ukrainians consider themselves to be very or fairly well informed about HIV and AIDS. 25% say

they’re informed poorly, 9% are not informed at all.

76% of Ukrainians have heard or seen some information about HIV and AIDS in the past year. The most

common sources of information about HIV and AIDS in Ukraine are the TV (56%), outdoor

ads/billboards (25%), newspapers/magazines (16%), brochures (16%) and Internet (not including social

media – 13%). Compared with 2014, Ukrainians heard the information about the campaign less often

from TV (68% in 2014 vs. 56% in 2015), newspapers/magazines (22% vs. 16%), and radio (17% vs.

11%); and more often from social media (6% vs. 9%), and actions in the settlement (5% vs. 8%).

Over a half of Ukrainians know the following facts about HIV:

You can get infected with HIV and be unaware of it (82% of respondents evaluated this statement

correctly);

Use of condoms considerably reduces the risk of getting infected with HIV (76%);

There is no medicine as of now to completely cure the HIV infection and AIDS (71%);

A healthy-looking person can be HIV-positive (69%);

You cannot be sure that you do not have HIV or AIDS just because you do not take drugs (59%)

The share of Ukrainians who know that PLWH can have a normal life these days increased significantly in

2015 (37% compared with 24% in 2014) though the majority still don’t know this fact. Also only a third of

Ukrainians know that «HIV is not a death sentence».

According to public opinion, the main reasons why HIV is being spread are: prostitution (according to

74% of respondents), drug-trafficking (73%) and homosexual relations (66%).

Most Ukrainians are aware of the possible ways of HIV transmission associated with risky

behaviour:

Shared use of needles and syringes for injections (90% in 2015, this percent is significantly

higher than 87% in 2014 );

Vaginal sex without using a condom (84% in 2015 that is significantly higher compared to 80% in

2014);

When doing piercing and tattoo (81%);

When using somebody else’s shaving products, toothbrushes (75%).

Anal sex without a condom (74% vs. 66% in 2014);

Oral sex without a condom (65% vs. 54% in 2014);

The share of Ukrainians who are aware of all abovementioned ways of HIV transmission increased from

37% in 2014 to 46%.

The following false facts about the means of HIV transmission are most widespread among

Ukrainians: being treated at the same surgery with HIV-positive patients (34% of respondents), via

mosquito bites (28%), drinking from the same glass with an HIV-positive person (26%), and using the

same toilet/bathhouse/swimming pool/sauna with an infected person (26%). All these wrong beliefs could

be expected to cause intolerance to PLWH.

The best way to protect from HIV is considered to be engaging in sexual intercourse only with a

constant and faithful partner that doesn't have any other sexual partners (90%); 80% mentioned using

condoms during each sexual intercourse as another effective way of protection.

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However, only about a half of Ukrainians definitely know that sexual penetration without ejaculation (46%)

and using hormonal contraceptives (i.e. birth control pills) (53%) don’t reduce the risk of HIV infection and

about a third of Ukrainians definitely know that spermicidal agents don’t reduce the risk of HIV infection

(37%). Approximately one in five believe that these methods reduce the risk of HIV infection.

Only 32% of Ukrainians say that they don’t need any further information on HIV and AIDS. Others

most often would like to continue receiving information about the possible measures of HIV-prevention

(27%) and about PLWH (21%).

Youth

69% consider themselves to be very or fairly well informed about HIV and AIDS (vs. 59% among

the total population).

85% have heard or seen some information about HIV and AIDS in the past year (vs. 76% among

total population)

The Internet (other than social media) is a more popular source of information about HIV among

the Youth (25%) than among the total population (13%).

42% know that «PLWH can have a normal life» (vs. 37% among total population)

21% say that they don’t need any further information on HIV and AIDS (vs. 32% among the total

population).


79% have heard or seen some information about HIV and AIDS in the past year (vs. 86% in

2014)

42% know that «PLWH can have a normal life these days» increased significantly in 2015 (vs.

37% among total population)

Awareness of HIV transmission through unprotected sex, piercing and tattoo and using

somebody else’s shaving products, toothbrushes is lower than among total population. At the

same time false belief that sexual penetration without ejaculation can reduce the risk of HIV

infection is significantly higher than among total population.

Share of those who know all ways of HIV transmission in much lower among citizens of

Dnipropetrovska oblast than in total population (37% vs. 46%).

1.3 Attitudes to HIV

The most disturbing health issue to Ukrainians is heart disease: 31% of all respondents are worried

about it. Cancer was in second place (29%). There are 10% of Ukrainians who are most concerned

about HIV and AIDS (vs. 16% in 2014).

63% of Ukrainians say they are absolutely not at risk or unlikely to get infected with HIV. Only 22%

consider the risk as real («absolutely real», «quite real» and «fifty-fifty»); approximately 14% did not

answer the question.

Most of those Ukrainians who consider themselves to be at risk of HIV infection say that they know how

to protect themselves but anything might happen in life (62%), 16% say that they do not always have the

possibility to take safety precautions and 13% don’t know how to protect themselves.

Those Ukrainians who think they are unlikely to get infected explain their confidence with the fact they a)

have one permanent sexual partner whom they trust (47% vs. 53% in 2014); b) do not take drugs (34%);

c) they don’t believe it can happen to them (25% vs. 20% in 2014); d) do not have a sexual partner (21%).

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67% of Ukrainians believe that a man who is known to be carrying condoms would not have a bad

image and 58% of Ukrainians believe the same to be true about a woman that is known to be carrying

condoms.

As for the attitudes to relationships with new sexual partners 10% of Ukrainians would agree if a new

partner suggested having sex without a condom (vs. 6% in 2014), additionally 26% are not sure; 40%

wouldn’t agree to this proposition and 25% would never have new relationships (vs. 30% in 2014). Men

are more likely than women to agree to have sex without a condom (12% vs. 7% among women). Also

more men (30%) than women (22%) wouldn’t know what to do if their partner in a new relationship were

to suggest sexual intercourse without a condom. Women more often believe that they wouldn’t have new

relationships (29% vs 20% among men).

A half of Ukrainians say they would take the initiative and suggest using a condom with a new sexual

partner. There are no significant differences between men and women.

The proportion of Ukrainians who think that they have quite a good chance of convincing a new partner to

use a condom has increased significantly from 40% in 2014 to 47% in 2015. Only 12% in 2015 believe

that it would prove difficult for them. Men say they would find it easier than do women to convince a

partner to use condoms.

Almost an equal percentage of respondents say that they would (22%) and that they would not (25% vs.

20% in 2014) suggest undergoing an HIV test in a new relationship. However, the majority of respondents

could not answer whether they would suggest undergoing an HIV-test before having sexual intercourse

with a new partner (53%), which may mean that this is an unusual notion and people haven’t previously

considered such a course of action.

Youth

Cancer is the most worrying disease for young people in 2015 (27%), HIV and AIDS are in

second place (16% vs. 10% among total population).

27% feel themselves to be at risk of getting HIV (vs. 22% among the total population).

18% of those who think they are unlikely to get infected say this is because they always use

condoms (vs. 9% among the total population).

52% would not agree if a new partner proposed sex without a condom (vs. 40% among the total

population).

63% are ready to suggest using condoms with a new sexual partner (vs. 52% among the total

population).


There are no significant differences among attitudes to HIV among the population of

Dnipropetrovska oblast and the total population

1.4 Risk behavior and HIV testing

86% of Ukrainians over the age of 15 have experience of sexual intercourse. 62% of them had their first

sexual experience at the age of 15 or later while only 3% had it before they turned 15, others refused to

answer the question.

Out of those respondents who have ever been intimate with anyone, 32% discussed safe sex with their

partner, 26% discussed previous relations with their partner, 19% asked their partner to use condoms and

the same proportion underwent a test for sexually-transmitted infections, 10% were interested if their

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partner have undergone an HIV test, 9% decided to abstain from sex if their partner refused to use a

condom, and 8% asked partner to undergo HIV test.

58% of Ukrainians have been intimate with anyone within the last 12 months, 63% of them had only

one sexual partner during the last 12 months.

Among them 14% always use condoms, 9% use them almost always and 20% use them from time to

time or rarely. 33% do not use condoms because they have one permanent partner and 5% do not use

them because of other reasons, others refused to answer.

Among those Ukrainians who do not use or do not always use condoms 38% say that this is because

they trust their partner, 29% say condoms are not always available, 31% that condoms make sex less

pleasant (vs. 21% in 2014), 19% that they use other methods of contraception, 13% that condoms are not

reliable (vs. 4% in 2014).

Among those who used condoms during last year condoms are perceived mostly as a method of

contraception (83%) and only 34% of Ukrainians use condoms to protect themselves from HIV and AIDS.

For 35% of Ukrainians condoms serve for protection from other infections.

More than a half of Ukrainians (60%) have never undergone a HIV test and 31% took it (others refused to

answer).

Among those who have never used condoms/use them but not always 44% got tested for HIV.

Among those who took an HIV test the main reason for getting tested was to get a mandatory health

certificate including one due to pregnancy (80%); the majority of the others did it for own peace of mind

(16%). The most popular locations for getting tested are medical centres (45%), women’s consultations

(31%) and AIDS centres (14%). Most of those who got tested for HIV were satisfied with the test and

consultation (83%), 6% said that they were satisfied, but consultation wasn’t provided and only 5%

showed some dissatisfaction.

Out of those who never got tested for HIV 22% are interested in getting a free test.

Youth

63% have experience of sexual intercourse (vs. 86% among the total population).

Youth who have been intimate with somebody show higher readiness for safe sex than the total

population: 45% discussed safe sex with their partner (vs. 30% among the total population); 36%

discussed previous relations with their partner (vs. 26% among the total population); 33% asked

their partner to use condoms (vs. 19% among the total population); and 18% decided to abstain

from sex if their partner refused to use a condom (vs. 9% among the total population).

31% of those who had intimate relations over the past 12 months use condoms always (vs. 14%

among the total population) however, only 17% don’t use condoms because of having a

permanent partner (vs. 33% among total population). The top reason for not using condoms or

not always using them is that they are not always available (38% vs. 29% among the total

population).

25% passed HIV test (vs. 31% among total population)

Out of those who never got tested for HIV 37% are interested in getting a free test (vs. 22%

among the total population).


22% of those who had intimate relations over the past 12 months use condoms always (vs. 14%


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Residents of Dnipropetrovska oblasts who have been intimate with somebody show higher

readiness for safe sex than the total population: 29% underwent a test for sexually-transmitted

infections (vs. 19% among the total population); 22% asked their partner to use a condom (vs.

19% among the total population); 16% decided to abstain from sex if their partner refused to use

a condom (vs. 9% among the total population).

55% passed HIV test (vs. 31% among the total population)

93% of those who got tested for HIV are satisfied with the provided test and consultation (vs. 83%


1.5 Attitude to PLWH

Most of Ukrainians (68%) believe that people with HIV have the right to keep their diagnosis a secret.

As for the belief that people only get HIV because of their immoral behaviour, the proportion who disagree

has significantly increased from 45% in 2014 to 52% in 2015.

The share of those who think that PLWH rights are violated in Ukraine is 37% (vs. 44% in 2014).

46% would advise a person whose partner contracted HIV to continue the relationship with additional

HIV-preventive measures (vs. 36% in 2014), while 20% would recommend ending the relationship (vs.

28% in 2014), others are not sure.

The survey indicates 4 levels of perception for PLWH: the perception of unfamiliar PLWH (Bogardus

scale), perception of acquaintances in case of getting HIV infection; perception of familiar PLWH;

perception of HIV-positive children.

Bogardus scale. Only 14% are ready to accept PLWH as colleagues, neighbours, close friends or family

members.

More than half of Ukrainians are intolerant of PLWH – 70% agree to have PLWH as no closer than

residents of Ukraine/visitors to Ukraine/would keep them out of Ukraine altogether. Ukrainians are

significantly less tolerant of other vulnerable groups (IDUs, homosexuals, bisexuals, commercial sex

workers).

Perception of acquaintances in case of getting HIV infection. Almost a half of Ukrainians (59%) say

that finding out about an HIV-positive status of one of their friends or colleagues wouldn’t change their

attitude or they even would like to help such a friend/colleague (vs. 46% in 2014). For 13% the

communication with such person will be uncomfortable, but they’ll try not to show this (vs. 18% in 2014).

16% answered that they would try to communicate less with such person or stop communicating at all,

others are not sure about their reaction.

Out of those people who would negatively change their attitude to a person in case of his/her HIV-positive

status 57% explain it with fear of getting infected. The share of those who accuse PLWH in immorality

increased from 18% in 2014 to 25% in 2015.

Perception of PLWH. 4% of Ukrainians have PLWH among acquaintances. Among those who know

PLWH 77% say that they treat them as ordinary people, 18% try to avoid communicating with them, but

only 3% demonstrate an openly negative attitude toward PLWH. Negative attitudes are most often

explained by fear of getting infected.

Perception of positive children. 37% think that it’s acceptable for HIV-positive children to attend the

same school with HIV-negative children (vs. 33% in 2014) while 23% are against it (vs. 28% in 2014)

(others answered that it depends on the situation or not sure in their position). Most of the latter say that

the main reason for their position is that HIV-negative children could get infected.

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Youth

Youth is more tolerant to PLWH according to all indicators


The population of Dnipropetrovska oblast is less tolerant to PLWH according to all indicators

1.6 Conclusions and recommendations on target areas of campaign

In 2015 comparing to 2014 both positive and negative tendencies are observed. The positive tendencies

are:

Increased awareness that HIV is transmitted through vaginal, anal and oral sex without a

condom;

Increased tolerance to PLWH.

The negative tendencies are:

Decreased awareness about National AIDS helpline

Decreased share of Ukrainians who named HIV among most disturbing health issues

Increased share of Ukrainians who would agree if a new partner suggested having sex without a

condom

The following target areas of communication were recommended in 2015 and they still are relevant for

2016 – the following information is recommended to be shared:

HIV can be transferred through unprotected oral and anal sex as well as through vaginal.

Among all methods of contraception only condoms can protect from HIV (this message is especially

relevant for population of Dnipropetrovska oblast which has widespread belief that sexual

penetration without ejaculation can reduce the risk of HIV infection).

Sexual pleasure during unprotected sex is not worth infection of HIV and other diseases (especially

relevant message for men as they are more inclined to risky behaviour).

It’s natural for women to have condoms and insist on using them; shyness is not worth infection with

HIV and other diseases.

Symptoms of HIV don’t show themselves right after the infection, one can’t tell if a person has HIV

just by looking at him/her.

HIV tests are accessible, anonymous, free (or available for buying in drugstore for those who don’t

want to address organizations) and quick.

It’s natural to ask a partner to take HIV test.

It’s safe to live with PLWH and use the same bath, soap, towel etc. (everything except for shaving

products and toothbrushes). Mosquito bites can’t transfer HIV.

There is no medicine to cure HIV completely, but PLWH receive treatment and are not dangerous for

people around them. Any positive information about PLWH would be good to prove that they are

common people just like everybody else.

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8 Sample design

Thе sample size of 1502 interviews includes 1077 respondents for a nationally representative sample

(which included 204 respondents aged 15-24 and 114 residents of Dnipropetrovska oblast) and boosters

of 199 respondents for Youth and 226 respondents for residents of Dnipropetrovska oblast. The boosters

were conducted in order to have a sufficient number of respondents for reliable analysis.

The sample design is based on State Statistics Service of Ukraine data for January 1, 2014

The sample design for the nationally representative sample included the following stages:

1. The sample was first stratified by 25 administrative units (24 oblasts and Kyiv - not including

Crimea and settlements in Donetska and Luhanska oblast which are not under control of

Ukrainian government).

2. In each administrative unit (except for Kyiv) interviews were proportionally distributed according

to the size of settlement. The following grouping of settlements is used in the sample design: rural

area; towns and town-type settlements with population less than 50,000; towns with population of

51,000-100,000; towns with population of 101,000-500,000; cities with population of more than

500,000. All Ukrainian settlements with a population greater than 200,000 were included in the

sample, smaller settlements were randomly selected from a list of such settlements, ordered

alphabetically.

3. For Kyiv and other large cities the sample was then stratified by administrative districts.

4. Within each settlement the routes were selected randomly. Each interviewer received instructions

with rules for selecting a starting point for the route and defining skip intervals for selecting the

following addresses.

5. At the last stage interview was conducted with the person who fits by age (15+). If there are

several persons who fit by age, the interview was conducted with the person whose birthday was

the last among members of household aged 15+. If all potential respondents denied participating

in the survey, the interviewer followed the next household.

The sample design for boosters was built according to the same scheme.

Three types of weights were calculated for the analysis:

1. Weighted data for Ukrainian population corresponds to the population’s distribution by

age/gender/settlement type and administrative unit according to State Statistics Service of

Ukraine data for January 1, 2014

2. Weighted data for 403 respondents aged 15-24 population corresponds with the population’s

aged 15-24 distribution by gender/macroregion/settlement type according to State Statistics

Service of Ukraine data for January 1, 2014

3. Weighted data for 340 respondents in Dnipropetrovska oblast population corresponds with the

oblast’s population distribution by age/gender/settlement type according to State Statistics

Service of Ukraine data for January 1, 2014

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Sample for the population of Ukraine aged 15+: size of the city

Size of the city:

Village 33%

City with the population below 50 thsd 22%

City with the population 51-100 thsd 6%

City with the population 101-500 thsd 17%

City with the population 500 thsd+ 22%

Total 100%

Sample for the population of Ukraine aged 15+: administrative unit

Oblast: Vinnytska 4%

Volynska 3%

Dnipropetrovska 9%

Donetska 5%

Zhytomyrska 3%

Zakarpatska 3%

Zaporizka 4%

Ivano-Frankivska 4%

Kyivska 5%

Kirovogradska 2%

Luganska 2%

Lvivska 6%

Mykolaivska 3%

Odeska 6%

Poltavska 4%

Rivnenska 3%

Sumska 3%

Ternopilska 3%

Kharkivska 7%

Khersonska 3%

Khmelnytska 3%

Cherkaska 3%

Chernivetska 2%

Chernigivska 3%

Kyiv 7%

Total 100%

public awareness of hiv epidemy in ukraine 2015

Health & Medicine