Knowledge and attitudes about AIDS among corporate and public service employees.

Background: We examined the relationship between workplace AIDS education efforts and workers' knowledge about HIV transmission and their attitudes toward coworkers with AIDS.

Methods: Questionnaires were mailed to corporate and public service workers at 12 work sites to ascertain the extent of their knowledge about AIDS and their attitudes toward coworkers with AIDS. Each work site had offered an AIDS education program. The average response rate was 40%; 3460 workers returned questionnaires.

Results: Respondents' knowledge was largely consistent with available scientific evidence. However, a substantial minority still believe HIV infection can be transmitted through casual contact. Over 30% endorse the screening of new employees for AIDS, and 23% would fear contagion from an infected coworker. Thirty percent of the respondents expressed skepticism about the veracity of information from government sources and the scientific community. Work site comparisons show that where educational programs are minimal, employees know less about HIV transmission and hold more negative attitudes.

Conclusion: Comprehensive workplace AIDS education programs can reinforce workers' knowledge about HIV transmission, thereby fostering more favorable views toward coworkers with AIDS.