[Changes in knowledge of HIV/AIDS and attitudes for PWA in Tokyo: 1992-1995]

In order to assess changes in knowledge of HIV/AIDS and attitude for People With HIV/AIDS (PWA), interview surveys (Dec. 1992, Jan. 1994, Jan. 1995) were carried out annually on random samples of the general public in Tokyo, age between 15-69 years. In total, 4,270 individuals were sampled, with an average response rate of 63.2%. Answers were scored and classified in 12 sex and age sub-groups. Additionally, correlations between scores of questions and social indices were analyzed. The results of the study are as follows: 1) The 15-19, 20-29 and 30-39 age groups showed higher scores on knowledge about HIV transmission modes. During the entire study period, the score increased in 7 groups, but decreased in 5 groups. 2) The 30-39 and 40-49 age groups showed higher scores on knowledge about HIV antibody test. During the period, the score increased in 11 groups, and among them 6 groups showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) increases. However, the score decreased in 9 groups at the third survey. 3) The 15-19, 20-29 and 30-39 age groups showed higher scores on acceptable attitudes for PWA. During the period, the score increased in all groups, and among them 3 groups showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) increases. 4) Rank correlations between two scores-knowledge quantity about the transmission modes and acceptable attitudes for PWA-were positive (0.2 < R) and statistically significant (p < 0.05) in 11 groups at the first survey, 9 groups at the second, and 6 groups at the third. 5) During the entire study period, 6 groups showed positive correlations (0.7 < R) between two changes: (1) score of knowledge about the transmission modes and (2) score of acceptable attitudes. 6) During the entire study period, 10 groups showed positive correlations (0.7 < R) between two changes: (1) score of acceptable attitudes and (2) number of newspaper articles regarding acceptance or discrimination of the PWA. 7) Knowledge about HIV/AIDS in the general public in Tokyo showed increase in younger generation, but there is concern of decrease in the older generation. These result indicate that acceptable attitude forward PWA are affected by related knowledge about the transmission modes and mass-media information, and must be considered in HIV/AIDS programs.