Public opinion and AIDS: lessons for the second decade

Article Abstract:

A review of public opinion polls conducted between 1989 and 1991 shows that most Americans think AIDS is a serious health problem that will get worse in the future. Most people surveyed think they have a low risk of contracting AIDS, and half said they are not taking special precautions to protect themselves. Of those who know they are at risk, many are not taking precautions. Most people are becoming more tolerant of people with AIDS, but they may reserve this sympathy for those who contracted the disease through no fault of their own. Most of those surveyed think the government is not doing enough to combat AIDS. They want more information about AIDS, and they want the government to provide it. They believe doctors have an obligation to care for AIDS patients, but they also believe that all health care workers should be tested for the virus. Most also think that all individuals in high-risk groups should be tested. Americans seem to be equally divided on the distribution of clean needles to intravenous drug addicts. Most of those surveyed said all immigrants should be tested for HIV and barred from entering the US if they are positive. Some believe tourists should be tested.

AIDS (Disease)

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How white and African Americans view their health and social problems: different experiences, different expectations

Article Abstract:

African Americans seem to have poorer health, greater difficulty affording basic necessities, and more problems with employment and discrimination than whites. Between February and June of 1992, researchers surveyed 1,897 families, 1,337 of whom were low-income to examine the occurrence of various health and social welfare problems within the last year. Thirty-three percent of African Americans were in fair or poor health compared to 14% of whites. Thirty-two percent of African Americans and 17% of whites experienced health-related financial difficulties. Two to three times more African Americans had difficulty affording basic necessities than whites. Only 19% of low-income African Americans and 7% of whites received support from at least two public assistance programs. Eighteen percent of African Americans and 12% of whites had difficulty finding a job. Two percent of whites and 14% of African Americans experienced racial or ethnic discrimination.

Health aspects, African Americans, Whites

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Should physicians aid their patients in dying? The public perspective

Article Abstract:

Several 1991 events have focused attention on euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide and right-to-die legislation. The results of several national opinion polls show that Americans are becoming more aware of these issues, and that many want to have more choices if they are faced with a terminal illness. In 1950, 34% of Americans favored legalized euthanasia, but 63% responded favorably in 1991. In 1991, 76% agreed that doctors should withdraw life support from terminally ill patients if they or their families request it. Sixty-four percent believe that doctors should be allowed to assist in a terminally-ill patient's suicide. Many Americans would consider ending their own life if they became a burden on their families or were in constant pain. Most would want to have life support withdrawn, but not food or water. Most respondents wanted doctors and family members to share these decisions, and 67% had discussed their wishes with family members.

Assisted suicide, Euthanasia, Right to die

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