The impact of AIDS on recruitment in the health professions

The occupational risk of AIDS has been identified as a possible factor in the decline of applicants to health professions programs. This study examined data obtained from 914 Philadelphia public and parochial high school students concerning their knowledge and attitudes about AIDS, and their knowledge and attitudes toward the health professions. The survey revealed that the majority of respondents demonstrated a good, basic understanding of the transmission of the virus. While fear of exposure to the virus may negatively impact some prospective students, the majority in this study did not express this concern. Rather, the results indicated that the respondents' lack of knowledge and understanding of the health professions is a major reason that they may not be selecting health careers. Notably, more than 50% of those surveyed responded that high schools do not provide enough information about the health professions. These findings reinforce the need for creative recruitment and career counseling programs that will foster an interest in the health professions.