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AIDS Knowledge and Attitudes among Adolescents in the Rural Southwest *
Author(s) -
Miller William A.,
QualtereBurcher Paul,
Lauber Caleb,
Rockow Jeffrey P.,
Bauman Kay A.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
the journal of rural health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.439
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1748-0361
pISSN - 0890-765X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1748-0361.1990.tb00665.x
Subject(s) - ethnic group , ethnically diverse , medicine , rural area , psychology , environmental health , family medicine , political science , population , pathology , law
ABSTRACT: A survey of adolescents living in rural southwestern towns demonstrated their knowledge of the basic transmission routes of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Nevertheless, misconceptions and attitudes, which may interfere with adopting safe behaviors, persist. Significant differences in knowledge did exist between the ethnic groups surveyed. Further, American Indian and black adolescents were more likely to express attitudinal biases against people who have AIDS. We conclude that current media efforts have been successful in communicating basic information regarding transmission, but there may exist a need for ethnically specific programs that focus on the misconceptions and attitudes surrounding AIDS.