AIDS and Discrimination: Public and Professional Perspectives (From AIDS and the Health Care System, P 77-84, 1990, Lawrence O Gostin, ed. -- See NCJ-124158)

• NCJ Number: 124159
• Author(s): R J Blendon; K Donelan
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: Yale University Press
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This analysis of the attitudes of the public and health professionals toward persons with AIDS or nonsymptomatic HIV infection concludes that AIDS will pose more challenges than other serious illnesses because it has several characteristics that make it unique.

Abstract

Results of surveys of public opinion show that Americans with AIDS are likely to face discrimination from a substantial segment of the population. They may face loss of privacy; restrictions on civil rights; a risk of losing their jobs, health insurance, and housing; and hostility from a significant portion of the population. In addition, children with AIDS face the possibility that their classmates will be removed from school by parents afraid of HIV. It is unclear whether added public education measures will change these negative attitudes. In addition, studies of the attitudes of health care professionals indicate that some will refuse to treat or care for people with AIDS and that many do not understand the special problems faced by persons with AIDS. Findings suggest the need for strict Federal legislation to guarantee the confidentiality of test results and the protection of HIV-infected persons against discrimination. In addition, strictly enforced guidelines are needed to define, encourage, and enforce ethical behavior in the care of persons with AIDS and to maintain confidentiality.