HIV-Related Stigma and Knowledge in the U.S., 1991-1999

1. Support for extremely punitive policies declined over the 1990s

 

In 1991, about one third (34%) of the public supported quarantine, and nearly as many (29%) believed that the names of people with AIDS should be made public. In 1997, by contrast, about 1 respondent in 6 endorsed policies of quarantine, and fewer than 1 in 5 supported public disclosure of the names of PWAs. By 1999, the proportions were lower still. The odds of a respondent supporting quarantine declined by approximately 15% annually between 1991 and 1999. The odds of supporting public identification of PWAs declined by an average of 9% annually.

Item Wording

1. Quarantine: "People with AIDS should be legally separated from others to protect the public health."
   
2. Public Labeling: "The names of people with AIDS should be made public so that others can avoid them."
   

Graphic shows the proportion responding "somewhat agree" or "strongly agree."

HIV-Related Stigma and Knowledge in the U.S., 1991-1999

1. Support for extremely punitive policies declined over the 1990s

 

In 1991, about one third (34%) of the public supported quarantine, and nearly as many (29%) believed that the names of people with AIDS should be made public. In 1997, by contrast, about 1 respondent in 6 endorsed policies of quarantine, and fewer than 1 in 5 supported public disclosure of the names of PWAs. By 1999, the proportions were lower still. The odds of a respondent supporting quarantine declined by approximately 15% annually between 1991 and 1999. The odds of supporting public identification of PWAs declined by an average of 9% annually.

Item Wording

1. Quarantine: "People with AIDS should be legally separated from others to protect the public health."
   
2. Public Labeling: "The names of people with AIDS should be made public so that others can avoid them."
   

Graphic shows the proportion responding "somewhat agree" or "strongly agree."