Spanish Journal of Psychology (2013), 16, e99, 1–10. © Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Colegio Ofcial de Psicólogos de Madrid doi:10.1017/sjp.2013.100 The Human Immunodefciency Virus (HIV)/ Acquired Immune Defciency Syndrome (AIDS) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a major threat for humanity in the world, especially in developing coun- tries. Millions of people in the world are suffering with HIV/AIDS and other STIs. According to UNAIDS (2011), there are 34 million people living with HIV at present and an estimated 2.7 million people were infected in 2010, 42% of new HIV infections worldwide occurring in the 15–24 year old cohort. The estimate of UNAIDS (AIDS epidemic update, UNAIDS, 2009) points to about 42,000 infected people in Portugal (about 0.4% of the Portuguese population). Since the frst HIV case was detected in Portugal, in 1983, HIV/AIDS has emerged as an important health problem. According to the latest Portuguese report from the national monitoring center of sexually transmitted diseases, 2010 statistics confrm the epidemiological pattern recorded annually since 2000, that is, there is a proportional increase in the number of cases of heterosexual transmission as well as in the 20–49 year old cohort (CVEDT, 2011). Particularly alarming is the fact that the HIV infection rate and AIDS cases are showing a rapid increase among young people. According to WHO’s recommendations (UNAIDS, 2009), in the absence of a cure for HIV/AIDS, its pre- vention depends on the adoption and maintenance of safe behaviors, noting that the educational strategies that modify or eliminate risk behavior remain the major interventions to prevent and control the spread of this pandemy. It is crucial that young people realize that their sexuality can be experienced in a healthy and happy way, and that to protect from HIV/AIDS, they have to use condoms in insertive sex practices always (for it is the most effective way of protection against HIV/AIDS) (Reis, Ramiro, Matos, Diniz, & Simões, 2011). According to literature, possessing correct knowl- edge and positive attitudes in relation to sexuality or contraception is enough to ensure that young people may change their attitudes and their behaviors and therefore start using condoms to protect from HIV/ AIDS (Ganczak et al., 2007; Reis & Matos, 2007). As such, it is necessary to educate young people before they are faced with making decisions about their sexu- ality and sexual behavior, which involves not only working on the acquisition of information but also Nationwide Survey on HIV/AIDS Knowledge, Attitudes and Risk Behavior in University Students of Portugal Marta Reis, Lúcia Ramiro, Margarida Gaspar de Matos and José Alves Diniz Universidade de Lisboa (Portugal) Abstract. HIV and sexually transmitted infections is a major threat for humanity in the world, especially in developing countries. The goals of this study were to: (a) analyze differences between genders in knowledge, attitudes, and risk behaviors about HIV/AIDS; and (b) evaluate the association between inconsistent condom use and knowledge, attitudes and risk behaviors about HIV/AIDS in Portuguese university students. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire from the Portuguese sample of the Sexual and Reproductive Health in University Students study (SRHUS), which is an extension of the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) study for university students. This cross-sectional study provides national representative data of 3278 Portuguese university students. Results show that the majority is sexually active; the usual contraceptive methods more reported are the oral contraceptive and the male condom. However the prevalence of consistent condom use in last 12 months is 34.5% (men) and 31.7% (women). Men more often than women report engaging in sexual risk behaviors (occasional partners, sex associated to alcohol and drugs, STIs). In general, university students have good knowledge about how to protect themselves from HIV and have positive attitudes towards people with HIV/AIDS. This survey could be a useful guide in the development of campaigns or programs designed to convey accurate information about HIV transmission routes and prevention strategies and to dispel erroneous beliefs about HIV. Received 4 April 2012; Revised 17 September 2012; Accepted 1 October 2012 Keywords: attitude, sexual behavior, HIV, students, risk behaviors. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Marta Reis. Social Adventure Team & CMDT-LA/UNL. Faculty of Human Kinetics/Technical Universidade de Lisboa. Estrada da Costa. 1495–688. Cruz Quebrada (Portugal). Phone. +351–214149152. Email: reispsmarta@gmail.com, www.aventurasocial.com, www. cmdtla.org/health-a-education