Perceived importance of services for persons with AIDS: recipient, family, caregiver, and public differences

596 adults from a moderately sized community in central California were divided into four groups (person with HIV or AIDS, friend or relative, caregiver or service provider for such a person, or member of the general public) and completed a schedule assessing their perceptions of the importance of 36 items related to potential services for persons with HIV or AIDS. Factor analysis of these items yielded in six constructs (Counseling, Medical, Assistance, Homecare, Adjunct/Auxiliary, and Nontraditional), accounting for 65.0% of the variance. Over-all, regardless of group membership, Medical Services were perceived as of highest importance, but differences were found across all groups regarding Assistance Services and Nontraditional Services for persons with AIDS. Implications and suggestions for research are discussed.