Objectives: HIV-related stigma has adversely affected lives of those infected with the virus. Past surveys have gauged degree of HIV-related stigma as manifested in people’s opinions. We present findings from a recent survey (Fall 2000) and compare some of those HIV-related opinions to earlier findings.
Method: Surveys were mailed to 3161 adults in the US. The sample was stratified on different demographic variables to ensure representativeness. Usable-response rate was 75%. The sample was weighed to compensate for differential non response rates across demographic variables.
Results: Notably, fewer (55%) agreed in 2000 than in similar surveys in 1987 (74-81%) that controlling the epidemic should take precedence over personal privacy concerns. Also, agreement with barring HIV-infected foreigners from entering the US decreased from 75% in 1985 to 53% in 2000. However, all opinions have not changed favorably: similar numbers of persons agreed that infected persons should not work with children or in schools (39% before, 32% now); having sex if infected should be considered a crime (68% before, 75% now). Opinions vary across segments of the population. For example, 26% of Whites , 38% of Blacks and 40% of Hispanics agreed that people with HIV are no different from anybody else . More Hispanics (17%) than Whites (9%) or Blacks (12%) strongly disagreed with the statement that foreign visitors with HIV should not enter US.
Conclusions: Some indicators of HIV-related stigma have changed favorably over the years. Others indicate need for continued efforts towards education of the population.
Learning Objectives: To understand the following: 1. Public's opinions on statements reflecting HIV related stigma. 2. Specific HIV-related stigmas about which continued efforts are needed to educate the general population as well as different segments of the population.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Survey
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.