Document 0240
 DOCN  M9550240
 TI    Changes in public knowledge and attitudes to HIV/AIDS in Wales, 1987 to
       1992.
 DT    9505
 AU    Roberts C; Blakey V; Smith C; Health Promotion Wales, Cardiff, UK.
 SO    AIDS Care. 1994;6(4):413-21. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/95134777
 AB    This paper presents information on changes in public knowledge and
       attitudes to HIV/AIDS in Wales between 1987 and 1992. The results
       indicate that throughout this period the majority of adults in Wales
       were aware of the high risk of infection from sexual intercourse and
       sharing needles with, and coming into contact with the blood of, someone
       with HIV. Nevertheless, the proportion who said that sexual intercourse
       with someone with HIV carries a high risk declined, and in 1992
       confusion still remained about the nature of HIV infection amongst a
       substantial minority of respondents. More than one in ten of the adults
       in the most recent survey were of the opinion that kissing or being near
       someone with HIV who is coughing or sneezing carries a high risk of
       infection. The data also indicate that attitudes to those with HIV
       remained uneven in 1992. Whilst a greater proportion in 1992 than in
       1987 held the view that people with HIV should be able to live normally
       in the community, attitudes appear to have hardened towards those
       perceived to be practising high risk behaviours, such as injecting drug
       users and homosexuals. The data also suggest that attitudes appear to be
       closely related to levels of knowledge. Given the apparent confusion and
       prejudice highlighted by the surveys, it is suggested that there is a
       continuing need for general campaigns to maintain public awareness of
       HIV-related issues, although this must also be complemented by more
       in-depth targeted education programmes.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PSYCHOLOGY  Adolescence  Adult  Aged
       Female  Health Education  Human  HIV Infections/PREVENTION &
       CONTROL/*PSYCHOLOGY/TRANSMISSION  *Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice  Male
       Middle Age  *Public Opinion  Risk Factors  Wales  JOURNAL ARTICLE

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).