ABSTRACT
A questionnaire assessing AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviors was distributed in written form and administered by telephone interviews in 1988 and again in 1990. Data were collected from members of minorities throughout Alabama. The telephone survey was based on a random sample, while the written form was distributed at targeted locations including community health centers, community action agencies, state prisons, vocational schools, and predominantly black colleges. Ninety-four percent of respondents in the telephone survey were African-American, while 84% in the written sample indicated they were African-American. Over the entire sample, knowledge of AIDS transmission was relatively accurate and increased from 1988 to 1990. Knowledge was higher in the written sample than the telephone sample at both times. The youngest and oldest age groups were least knowledgeable. In addition to knowledge, other variables including concern about contracting AIDS, behavior change, interest in learning about AIDS, and issues related to stigmatization were investigated. Implications for educational and prevention programs are discussed.
