Public perceptions regarding the AIDS epidemic: selected results from a national poll

A telephone interview of 1256 adults age 18 and over was conducted using a random digit dialing procedure. Participants were queried about their perceptions of being at risk for contracting the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), optimism-pessimism about the controllability of the epidemic, whether they take special steps to avoid catching AIDS, and how they would prioritize three possible courses of action. The sample was about evenly divided between optimism and pessimism about controlling AIDS within five years; 10% perceived they were at least at some risk of contracting AIDS (with such "at risk" persons overrepresented among residents in the east, among college graduates, and within the 30-39 age bracket). Forty-one percent indicated taking special steps to avoid AIDS, with higher percentages of Blacks, Hispanics, and persons under age 30 reporting such precautions. Personal preventive action was ranked first among the three possible courses of action by 51%, unlimited governmental spending to find a cure or vaccine and governmental restrictions of certain homosexual behaviors were each ranked first by about 20% of the respondents. The results also indicated that perception of being at risk mediates some opinions about AIDS.