The disclosure of celebrity HIV infection

Its effects on public attitudes

Dados Bibliográficos

ID11029072
AutoresSeth C Kalichman (0000-0002-0912-5112, Medical College of Wisconsin), Tricia L Hunter
Ano1992
Volume82
Fascículo10
Páginas1374-1376
Data de publicação1992-10-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoAmerican Journal of Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0090-0036 • E-ISSN: 1541-0048
EditoraAmerican Public Health Association (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.2105/ajph.82.10.1374
PMID1415863
OpenAlexW1995720901
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas17
Referências citadas6

OBJECTIVES. Despite the magnitude of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, studies have shown low levels of public concern about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS. We investigated the effects of celebrity disclosure of HIV infection on the AIDS-related perceptions of urban men. METHODS. Measures of AIDS-related perceptions were collected from 361 men waiting for mass transportation in downtown Chicago; 252 were assessed at three time points prior to and 109 were assessed at two time points after professional basketball star Earvin "Magic" Johnson's disclosure of his HIV infection. RESULTS. Significant increases in concern about AIDS, interest in AIDS information, and talking with friends about AIDS occurred after celebrity disclosure of HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS. Celebrity disclosure of HIV seropositivity demonstrated a marked change in AIDS-related perceptions among the men surveyed. Changes in awareness due to celebrity disclosure may lead to increased readiness to reduce risk and could be viewed as a window of opportunity for HIV prevention efforts

Family medicine · Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) · Magic bullet · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Demography · Media Influence and Health · Medicine · Sports, Gender, and Society