Mandatory Aids Testing: Factors Influencing Public Opinion

Abstract

A survey of 341 persons, 82% of whom were university students whose median age was 27.0 yr., was conducted to investigate the relationship between their attitudes regarding mandatory AIDS testing for various groups, attitudes toward the disease, sexual orientation and behavior, and attitudes toward homosexuals. Homosexual and bisexual respondents were less supportive of mandatory testing for anyone than were heterosexual respondents. Greater homophobia and attitudes in favor of legal sanctions against persons with AIDS were correlated for heterosexual respondents, with attitudes supporting mandatory testing for everyone and homosexuals in particular. However, concern about contracting AIDS was unrelated to heterosexual attitudes favoring mandatory testing. Social and political considerations in an era of growing and potentially militant public health concern are discussed.