The Nation - News from June 13, 1988

An international Gallup Poll shows almost universal awareness of AIDS and widespread knowledge of how the disease is transmitted. Substantial numbers in the 35-nation survey consider themselves at risk and many are taking precautions, including changing their sexual behavior, to avoid contracting the disease. Fear of contracting AIDS is highest in Africa, Asia and South America and lowest in Western Europe. In the United States, 20% said they are “very concerned” that they will get the disease, with the proportion rising to 27% among adults under 30 and 36% among blacks of all ages. Despite the risk, 15% said they have not changed their behavior.