Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2000. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
|
|
United Press International - November 30, 2000
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta said a nationally representative opinion survey found that 18.3 percent of adults agreed with the statement: "People who got AIDS through sex or drug use have gotten what they deserve."
Men, whites, the elderly, people with only a high school education, and those with poor health or a low income were more likely to agree with the statement, the CDC said.
The survey of 5,641 people, conducted by the Research Triangle Institute during August and September, also found that many Americans have misconceptions about how HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is transmitted.
The CDC said 40.2 percent of those surveyed wrongly believed that HIV transmission could occur through sharing a glass, and 41.1 percent wrongly believed that they could be infected by being coughed or sneezed on by an HIV-infected person.
People who held those misconceptions were more likely to believe that those who became infected because of sex or drug use got "what they deserve." About 25 percent of people who were misinformed held that view, compared with 14 percent of those who were better informed about HIV transmission.
001130
UP001108
Copyright © 2000 - United Press International. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through United Press International, Permissions Desk, 1510 H St. N.W. Washington DC 2005. Main Phone Switchboard: 202-898-8000 FAX: 202-898-8057 or 202-898-8147 Email: info@upi.com.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2000. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2000. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .