The behavioral surveillance survey found that because condom and lubricant use was so low, that could be a significant driver of the epidemic.
The survey was conducted by local Family Health International staff and funded by the United States Agency for International Development.
The findings of the survey were presented at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby to non-governmental organizations and others involved in dealing with the epidemic.
The survey was conducted last November and December in Port Moresby and targeted two distinct risk populations: men who had sex with men and women engaged in transactional sex.
It targeted those between the ages of 15 and 49.
The survey aimed to help public health officers better understand how HIV was transmitted in the country.
The survey revealed that only 11 percent of men having sex with men (and 16 percent of women) bought condoms although 43 percent of women received condoms monthly from outreach workers.
Family health senior technical adviser Dr. Guy Morineau said there should be greater awareness and education on the use of condoms.
