AIDS: knowledge and attitudes among different ethnic groups.

To study the ethnic differences in knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about AIDS, we surveyed 161 US residents from 31 different countries. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was developed to compile these data. The results of this survey suggest that AIDS-related knowledge is generally incomplete and there are still misconceptions about AIDS regardless of ethnicity or national origin. However, Americans and Europeans were more aware of some of the modes of contracting AIDS than were people from Asia, the Middle East, or Africa. We conclude that some ethnic and national groups are more likely to have misconceptions about AIDS than others. Therefore, additional public educational programs and activities with special outreach programs for ethnic groups in the United States must be accomplished through methods that are culturally sensitive if they are to be effective.