Objective 

To describe HIV-related media events in the context of first-time HIV-1-antibody testing trends at a London genitourinary medicine clinic.

Design 

Demographic and behavioural data were collected prospectively for individuals tested for HIV-1 antibodies between September 1985 and September 1993, at the genitourinary medicine clinic of St Mary's Hospital, London.

Results 

A total of 19242 individuals were tested of whom 37% were women.

Of the men tested 60% were heterosexual.

The women at first time of testing were significantly younger [29.3 years ; 95% confidence interval (CI), 28.8-29.7] than the men (32.5 years ; 95% CI, 29.2-35.8) ; mean ages for both sexes did not change significantly over time.

Overall, 199 women and 1539 men tested HIV-antibody-positive.

The proportions of women testing positive increased significantly over time (khi2=21.7, degrees of freedom=1 ; P<0.001), whereas the proportion of HIV-positive men remained constant for all sexual orientation groups.

The proportion of heterosexual women testing positive (2.8%) was similar to the proportion of HIV-positive heterosexual men (2.9%). HIV-positive individuals were significantly older for both sexes.

Throughout the study period numerous education campaigns were run using a variety of media complemented by a number of other HIV-related media events.

Conclusions 

Peak periods of attendance for HIV testing generally corresponded with increased HIV-related media activity and the...