[Results of studies from the AIDS counseling center of the Frankfurt/M. city health office January 1990 to December 1991].

Between January 1990 and December 1991 5854 clients entered the AIDS-Counselling Service of the Municipal Health Department in Frankfurt/M; 1997 (34%) of them were female and 3857 (66%) male. In 5228 cases blood samples were examined for HIV-antibodies and the prevalence of positive tests was 84 (1.6%). Among the subjects who were seropositive for HIV, 51 (61%) were homosexual, 9 (11%) bisexual and 11 (13%) heterosexual men, furthermore 5 (6%) heterosexual women. 8 (9%) seropositive persons were intravenous drug abusers (5 male, 3 female). With the aid of an anonymous questionnaire that was filled in voluntarily by the clients, information about the sexual anamnesis, reasons for wanting the test, and whether they had been already tested for HIV in the past, could be gained. During the examined period, safer sex has been practiced by 414 (58%) of 712 homosexual men and by 1183 (24%) of 4867 heterosexuals (2923 male, 1944 female). By reason of a new partner 141 (19%) homosexuals and 1261 (26%) heterosexuals wanted to be tested for HIV; 529 (74%) homosexuals and 1806 (37%) heterosexuals had been already tested for HIV in the past. Summing up we can state, that the large attendance of the AIDS-Counselling Service, now as before, could be traced back to great acceptance and trust placed the population in the Municipal Health Department. HIV-testing is accepted by heterosexual and homosexual couples as well, and often performed at the beginning or at the end of a partnership. Safer-sex plays, now as before, a subordinate role among heterosexuals in comparison to homosexuals.