Sexual behaviour in Britain: partnerships, practices and HIV risk behaviours

Describes findings from the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal 2000) carried out in 1999-2001 to provide population estimates of sexual behaviour patterns and how these compared with estimates from 1990-1991 (Natsal 1990). The increased reporting of risky sexual behaviours is consistent with changing cohabitation patterns and rising incidence of sexually transmitted infections. Observed differences between Natsal 1990 and Natsal 2000 are likely to result from a combination of true change and greater willingness to report sensitive behaviours in Natsal 2000 due to improved survey methodology and more tolerant social attitudes. (Original abstract - amended)