Public opinion regarding AIDS policy: fear of contagion and attitude toward homosexual relationships

This study examines public attitudes toward AIDS issues and tests the extent to which fear of contracting AIDS and attitude toward homosexuality influence opinions regarding the screening of potentially infected persons and the isolation of those already identified as infected. The data for this study are drawn from a 1989 survey of a representative sample of the adult residents of Edmonton, Alberta (n = 443). Stepwise regression analysis reveals that fear of contracting AIDS and attitude toward homosexual relationships independently predict support for AIDS screening and isolation policies. The implications for public health education are discussed.