AIDS: Students' Knowledge and Attitudes at a Midwestern University

Abstract Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is one of the fastest growing public health concerns in the United States. To understand the educational needs and concerns of young people better, 495 college students were surveyed to examine their knowledge and attitudes concerning AIDS and the relationships between young people's acceptance of homosexual behaviors and their knowledge and fear of AIDS. Results suggest these college students possess moderate knowledge regarding AIDS prevalence, high-risk groups, modes of transmission, and symptoms. They demonstrate some concern (fear) about the transmission of AIDS and are highly nonaccepting of homosexual behavior. More males than females were found to possess negative attitudes toward homosexuality, and those who were highly accepting of homosexual behavior were least fearful of contracting AIDS. These findings indicate the need to focus the content of educational programs on misconceptions about AIDS and, at the same time, to address attitudes toward homosexual behavior to provide accurate information and clarify ideas about AIDS.