Americans More Choosy About Sex—survey (Press, 19 November 1986)
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Summary: Americans More Choosy About Sex—survey (Press, 19 November 1986)
A survey published by "Newsweek" magazine on 19 November 1986 indicates that Americans are becoming increasingly selective about their sexual and social relationships due to concerns about the spread of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The survey, which included responses from 756 adults, found that 58 per cent reported being more discerning in their choice of sexual partners. Additionally, one-third of respondents stated they actively avoided places commonly frequented by homosexuals, while 18 per cent would shy away from social interactions with individuals they perceived as homosexual. The survey also highlighted worrying attitudes regarding medical procedures, with 27 per cent indicating they would refuse non-essential surgery if it required a blood transfusion. There is significant support for testing to manage the disease, with nearly half of the participants favouring mandatory blood testing to identify individuals carrying the AIDS virus. A notable 89 per cent expressed willingness to undergo such testing for themselves. Moreover, the survey revealed that 54 per cent of respondents believed individuals carrying the virus should be placed in government quarantine centres, although a recent California referendum on this issue was rejected on 4 November 1986. In terms of education, 70 per cent of those surveyed viewed sex education as a vital tool in combating AIDS. This reflects a shift in perspective compared to earlier findings; for instance, 44 per cent of respondents indicated they would be fine sending their children to a school with a pupil who was an AIDS carrier, a notable increase from 30 per cent in August 1985. These findings illustrate a complex and evolving response to the AIDS crisis among the American public.
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