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II. SUMMARY OF RESULTS

A summary showing the main results for each question, in the order in which the questions were asked, is given below.

However, it may be said first that 86% of those interviewed had seen the V.D. statement and 72% said they had read it through.

Taken as a whole the results show that about two-thirds of those interviewed were informed about V.D. to the extent of knowing what the diseases were and how they were spread.

69% said they know what the venereal diseases were when asked (a further 17% having some idea but not being quite sure), and 70% knew, or most probably know, that the diseases were spread through sexual intercourse. However this figure included 14% who said they knew how they were spread without specifying how, and 10% who thought that they could be spread in other ways as well as by intercourse.

Not all informants were asked what the symptoms were, but of the 67% of the sample asked this question, half named the symptoms, or at least one symptom, and a further 17% thought they know what the symptoms were without describing them.

The vast majority of those asked knew what should be done if signs of infection were observed.

It may also be said that throughout, the results show only small proportions holding definitely incorrect ideas.

The interpretation of “don’t know” answers is sometimes difficult. On the evidence suggests that these reflect genuine ignorance. However, it is possible that in some cases they reflect reticence.

The vast majority of those interviewed (92%) agreed with the publication of the V.D. statement, and thought that it was right for people to be informed about V.D.

Some groups of people show consistent differences -

Question 7 .

The 86% classified as Yes” includes 38% who mentioned the V.D. statement spontaneously in answer to a previous general question about Ministry of Health publicity and were not therefore asked this question.

A photostat of the statement was shown to those who had not seen it, before proceeding with the questionnaire. 3% of the sample (classified below as “no-information”) were not asked subsequent questions, as their attitude to this question showed that they did not wish to speak about the subject.

Question 8 .

The 69% classified as “Yes” includes 8% who gave answers showing definite knowledge; 29% who gave only name of diseases; 23% who said they knew but did not describe the diseases in any way; and 9% who said they know something about it.

“Some doubt” includes answers such as “not quite sure”, and various vague descriptions.

Question 9 .

Those who said they knew or who were doubtful were asked:

The 46% classified as “correct or probably correct” includes 7% saying “intercourse with”, “union with”, or “going with” an infected person; 29% saying only “intercourse”; 10% saying “intercourse with bad people, prostitutes”, or such answers as “wrong doing”, “illicit sex relations”, etc.

The 10% classified as “knowledge plus confusion” said the diseases were spread by intercourse and also in other ways, e.g. lavatory seats, drinking vessels. “Incorrect” answers include lavatory seats and other ways only.

Question 10 .

The 91% agreeing includes 54% who supplemented their reply by unsolicited comments showing definite approval, such as, “It should have been done before”, “There has been too much secrecy”, “Everyone should know about these things”, etc.

Question 11 .

Those who agreed and who had seen the statement previously were asked:

Question 11a .

Those who had read the statement through (72% of the sample) were asked: “Do you think people will find the statement easy to understand, or is there anything you think could be put more clearly?” 77% of those asked thought the statement was quite clear; 3% said it was put as clearly as such matters could be; 7% thought that fuller information should be given ; 9% thought that young or ignorant people would not understand it or that some of the words used were difficult.

Question 11b . Those who had read the statement through (72% of the sample) were asked: “Did you know about these things before you read the statement?”

63% of those asked said they had known before; 25% said they had known part of it; and 11% said they had not known before.

Question 12

Interviewers were instructed to ask the next three questions of women who agreed and had seen the statement, and of men only in cases where they thought the question would not cause embarrassment. About two-thirds of the men who agreed and had seen the statement were asked.

Question 13 .

“'What would you advise anybody to do who thought she (he) was infected?”

Question 14 .

“Do you think there is anything which stops people going for treatment?”

Question 15 .

“What would you tell anybody to look for to see if they were infected?” or Do you knew what the symptoms are?” or “Do you know how these diseases first show themselves?”