NCJ Number
126484
Journal
AIDS Education and Prevention Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1990) Pages: 36-47
Date Published
1990
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This paper describes a study measuring the correlations of homophobia, homosexual bias, and other variables with AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among employees of a Minnesota teaching hospital in an area with a low incidence of HIV infection. The survey was conducted through an anonymous 4-page questionnaire mailed to 2,980 employees including 270 physicians with 2,351 responding.
Abstract
In addition to demographic information, the survey collected data on variables such as previous contact with AIDS patients, family member or friend with AIDS, confidence in AIDS medical information, concern about contracting AIDS at work, sources of AIDS information, religious affiliation, and AIDS in-service education program. Data analysis shows that homophobia and homosexual bias did not correlate highly with employee anxiety about acquiring AIDS while at work, but did highly correlate with employee knowledge about AIDS and with their behaviors and attitudes toward AIDS patients. Confidence in AIDS medical information, high number of previous contacts with AIDS patients, and family member or close friend with AIDS highly correlated with positive behaviors and attitudes toward AIDS patients. Levels of education only correlated with knowledge about AIDS. Inservice educational programs should attempt to improve hospital employees knowledge about AIDS, increase confidence in AIDS medical information, and address homophobia. 23 references and 8 tables (Author abstract modified)