Ethnic Differences in Knowledge of AIDS Transmission and Attitudes towards Gays and People with AIDS

Abstract

Epidemiological studies have shown disproportionately elevated risk rates of AIDS among Hispanics and blacks, particularly among the heterosexual population. Intense preventive education has resulted in dramatic infection reduction among the gay population. Yet these educational efforts aimed at the gay population failed to reach many of the minority population at risk. This study looked at some structural and cultural factors that might be preventing beneficial effects generated from existing educational programs designed to prevent AIDS. The same variables were compared among whites and Hispanics. The research showed that while all groups had a high level of knowledge regarding AIDS transmission, Hispanics had many misconceptions about the way AIDS is transmitted. In this study, Hispanics were not more intolerant toward homosexuals than whites; nor were they more intolerant towards people with AIDS. Thus AIDS education campaigns directed towards Hispanics need to be designed to address specific misconceptions regarding AIDs transmission. Homophobia does not appear to be an insurmountable barrier preventing Hispanics from dealing with this topic.