washington post/kaiser family foundation 2012 survey of

July 2012

The Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation

2012 Survey of Americans on HIV/AIDS

Summary and Chartpack

WHAT’S NEW IN PUBLIC OPINION ON HIV/AIDS? HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WASHINGTON POST/KAISER FAMILY FOUNDATION

2012 SURVEY OF AMERICANS ON HIV/AIDS Leading up to the 2012 International AIDS Conference in Washington, DC, The Washington Post and the Kaiser Family Foundation conducted a joint survey of the American public’s attitudes, awareness, and experiences related to HIV and AIDS. This survey is the 24th in a series of surveys on a wide range of topics that have been conducted as part of the Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation Survey Project since 1995. It also builds on Kaiser’s extensive survey work on HIV/AIDS, comprised of eight previous surveys on the topic between 1995 and 2011, including one in 2002 that was also conducted as part of the partnership series with The Washington Post. The summary below highlights noteworthy findings from the new survey, building on the trends identified in Kaiser’s previous survey work, and the accompanying charts provide a more detailed picture of the survey findings. SECTION 1: KEY THEMES AND NOTEWORTHY TRENDS IN PUBLIC OPINION ON THE U.S. HIV EPIDEMIC SINCE HIV/AIDS AT 30 In 2011, Kaiser released a comprehensive report on the state of American public opinion on HIV/AIDS as the epidemic marked its 30th year. Many of the themes and trends identified in HIV/AIDS at 30: A Public Opinion Perspective are updated and reinforced by the findings of the current survey, and are summarized broadly below. In the more than 30 years since AIDS was first identified, American public opinion has ebbed and flowed as the initial panic subsided, the disease became better understood, and scientific advances have allowed people with HIV to live longer and healthier lives. Americans are far less likely to view the disease as an urgent national threat now than when AIDS first emerged in the 1980s, while at the same time, the issue’s visibility has also declined and fewer Americas report hearing about HIV/AIDS. Still, support for government spending to combat the disease has remained strong over the years, with the vast majority of Americans saying that federal government spends too little or about the right amount on HIV/AIDS, and most saying that increased spending on HIV prevention and treatment will lead to meaningful progress in slowing the domestic epidemic. Over the years, Americans’ optimism regarding the country’s progress against the disease has outweighed pessimism, and the gap has grown wider in recent years. Despite these feelings of progress, the public acknowledges that there are ongoing challenges in access to treatment in the U.S., and many still have misconceptions about the disease and how it is transmitted. For example, in 2012 roughly a quarter of Americans do not know that HIV cannot be transmitted by sharing a drinking glass, almost exactly the same share as in 1987. Since the early years of the epidemic, personal familiarity with people living with HIV has increased, and over four in ten Americans now report knowing someone who is HIV‐positive or has died of AIDS. While many Americans continue to report discomfort at the idea of interacting with those who have HIV, the long‐term trend has been toward increasing levels of comfort. For example, nearly half now say they would be “very comfortable” working with someone who has HIV or AIDS, up from 32 percent in 1997. HIV testing is crucial for getting those who are HIV‐positive into early treatment, and evidence has shown that early diagnosis also helps lower rates of HIV transmission. Despite this, self‐reported HIV testing rates have been relatively flat since the late 1990s. Currently, just over half (54 percent) of Americans under age 65 say they have ever been tested for HIV, including 22 percent who say they’ve been tested in the past 12 months. Reported testing rates are somewhat higher among some key groups at higher risk for HIV, including blacks, Latinos, and younger adults; however, rates for these groups have also been relatively flat over the past decade. The current survey also reinforces findings from the 2011 report showing that the impact of the epidemic has been felt more deeply in the black community, with blacks being more likely than whites to express concern about themselves or a family member becoming infected with HIV, to see HIV as a top health problem facing the nation, and to say they know someone who now has HIV or has died of AIDS.

1

Little has changed in American public opinion about the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic since the in‐depth HIV/AIDS at 30 report was released in 2011, and readers who are interested in more detail (particularly regarding in‐depth analysis of subgroups by race and age) should refer to that report, available at http://www.kff.org/kaiserpolls/8186.cfm, as well as to the charts that follow, which update many of the numbers in the 2011 report. However, a few changes from 2011 to 2012 are worth noting.

After an uptick in 2011, personal concern returns to earlier levels. The 2011 survey measured an uptick in the share of the public—and the share of young adults—who said they were personally concerned about becoming infected with HIV. These shares dropped in 2012, returning to the trend of slow and steady decline seen over the last decade. Currently, 13 percent of all adults say they are “very concerned” about becoming infected, down from 18 percent in 2011 and equal to the share who said so in 2009. Similarly, in 2011, a quarter (24 percent) said they were “very concerned” about a family member getting HIV but that has dropped to 18 percent in 2012. Among those ages 18‐29, 15 percent now say they are “very concerned” about becoming infected, down from 24 percent in 2011, and roughly equal to the 17 percent measured in 2009.

A higher share of parents now report being comfortable with their children having an HIV‐positive teacher. While the shares of Americans who report being comfortable in various situations involving people with HIV have been relatively flat since 2011, more parents now express comfort at the idea of their child having an HIV‐positive teacher. Currently, nearly half of parents (45 percent) say they would be “very comfortable” in this situation, up from 36 percent in 2011.

2

SECTION 2: AMERICANS’ VIEWS ON SOME KEY ISSUES AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN HIV/AIDS Beyond updating trends from our previous survey work, the 2012 Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation survey also included a variety of new questions to explore public opinion on some timely topics likely to be discussed at the upcoming International AIDS Conference in Washington, DC. These topics include financing of HIV drug treatments in the U.S., new scientific advances in HIV treatment and testing, and trust in Congress and the presidential candidates leading up to the 2012 election. Drug Costs and Financing Access to Treatment To a certain extent, Americans seem to be aware of some of the challenges in financing access to medication in the U.S., with six in ten (60 percent) recognizing that drugs to treat HIV/AIDS cost more in the U.S. than they do in developing countries. Despite the expense of HIV medications, a large majority of the public supports access to treatment for all Americans, with eight in ten (79 percent) saying that everyone with HIV in the U.S. should get treatment regardless of their ability to pay. A smaller share, but still over half (56 percent), say they would be willing to pay higher taxes to make sure everyone gets treatment. Treatment as Prevention Recent scientific evidence has shown that antiretroviral treatment (ART) helps those that are HIV‐positive reduce their risk of transmitting HIV to their partners. However, many Americans are not aware of the potential value of treatment as a prevention tool. About half (49 percent) say that HIV treatment helps prevent its spread to others while another 44 percent believe that treatment does nothing to help prevent the spread of HIV. And, although there are complex issues at play, the FDA recently approved the first ART that can help prevent those who are HIV‐negative from contracting HIV. While it may be too early for this latest research to have filtered down to the general public, fewer than a fifth (17 percent) think that ARTs can be used to prevent people from becoming infected, while half (50 percent) believe they cannot and another third (33 percent) are unsure (our poll was conducted just before the FDA decision was announced). Rapid Home Test This month, the FDA approved the first, rapid HIV test that provides results at home in about 20 minutes.1 Although the survey was conducted before the announcement was made, most people report they have a favorable view of over‐the‐counter, rapid HIV tests (72 percent). However, when asked where they would personally prefer to be tested, the majority (59 percent) say they would rather have the test done in a doctor’s office. Trust In Congress and Presidential Candidates Perhaps reflecting their general skepticism towards Washington politicians as seen in other polls, Americans report relatively low levels of confidence in Congress and in the 2012 presidential candidates to make the right decisions in dealing with HIV/AIDS. President Barack Obama fares best on the issue, with 39 percent of the public saying they have a great deal or a good amount of confidence in him. About half as many (19 percent) say the same about Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, and even fewer have as much confidence in Congress to deal with HIV/AIDS (14 percent). Further, six in ten Americans (61 percent) say that Congress is not doing enough to address the problem of HIV/AIDS domestically, and about half (47 percent) say the same about President Obama.

1 Testing Yourself for HIV Questions and Answers. Vaccines, Blood & Biologics. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, July 2012.

http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/SafetyAvailability/HIVHomeTestKits/ucm126460.htm

3

SECTION 3: AN UPDATE ON AMERICAN OPINION ON THE U.S. ROLE IN GLOBAL HIV In addition to surveying Americans on their views of the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic, the new Washington Post/Kaiser survey explored the public’s views of HIV/AIDS globally, updating findings primarily from our 2009 Survey of Americans on the U.S. Role in Global Health. The key findings include:

Optimism on the rise. The share of Americans expressing optimism in the worldwide fight against HIV/AIDS has steadily increased over the past several years, and this trend continues in 2012. A clear majority (58 percent) now say that the world is making progress on HIV, while just 18 percent believe the world is losing ground. This is in sharp contrast to 2002, when nearly half (45 percent) felt the world was losing ground and about a third (35 percent) said the world was making progress.

Still, problems with access to treatment and prevention widely recognized. Despite this increasing optimism, large shares of the public say that most people in developing countries do not have access to HIV medication (87 percent) and prevention services (73 percent). This largely reflects reality although a new report finds there have been recent gains in access to treatment in developing countries.2

Public says various groups should do more. Most Americans say various groups are not doing enough to help solve the problem of AIDS in developing countries. This is especially true when it comes to the governments of developing countries themselves (72 percent say they are not doing enough), pharmaceutical companies (59 percent), and the US government (50 percent). Nearly half also say the same about the governments of other wealthy nations (48 percent), and President Obama and his administration (44 percent). The public is more split on whether international nonprofits and foundations are doing enough (44 percent) or not enough (39 percent) on the problem of AIDS in developing countries.

Support for current levels of U.S. spending is robust. As has been true in Kaiser surveys dating back to 2002, few Americans (16 percent) say the U.S. is currently spending too much on preventing and treating HIV in developing countries. In 2012, just over a third (37 percent) say the U.S is spending the right amount in this area, while a slightly smaller share (32 percent) say we are spending too little.

But addressing problems at home trumps increasing spending on HIV abroad. When forced to choose between two statements, two‐thirds of the public (66 percent) agrees that “the U.S. should address problems at home first rather than spending more money to deal with the HIV/AIDS epidemic in developing countries,” while a much smaller share (22 percent) feel more strongly that “the U.S. is a global leader and has a responsibility to spend more money to help fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic in developing countries.”

Lots of factors seen as barriers to progress, but lack of support from U.S. is not one of them. Large shares of the public see a variety of issues as barriers to controlling the spread of HIV in developing countries, including unwillingness of people to change unsafe sexual practices (85 percent), widespread poverty (76 percent), not enough action by developing country governments (74 percent), corruption (71 percent), and lack of effective programs (63 percent). In contrast, relatively few (31 percent) say that “not enough support from the U.S. and other developed countries” is a major barrier to progress.

Few have heard of “AIDS‐Free Generation,” but over half think goal is achievable. In 2011, President Barack Obama and others in his Administration, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, called on the U.S. and other countries to create an AIDS‐free generation, in which no children are born with HIV and their risk for becoming infected remains low throughout their lifespan.3 The vast majority of Americans report that they have heard only a little (23 percent) or nothing at all (58 percent) about this call for an AIDS‐free generation. While few say they have heard of the effort, a majority of Americans (55 percent) believe that it is possible to achieve the goal of an AIDS‐free generation worldwide by the year 2050.

2 Together We Will End AIDS. Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), July 2012.

http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/campaigns/togetherwewillendaids/index.html 3 The Path to an AIDS‐Free Generation, Fact Sheet, U.S. Department of State, November 2011. http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2011/11/176770.htm

4

Section 1

Key Themes and Noteworthy Trends in Public Opinion on the U.S. HIV Epidemic Since HIV/AIDS at 30

37

3336

34

21

13%16%

68

49

45

4144

38

26

17

21

17

6 7%10%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

1987 1990 1991 1992 1995 1997 2000 2002 2004 2006 2009 2011 2012

Share Naming HIV/AIDS As Most Urgent Health Problem Declines Over Long Term

Percent who name HIV/AIDS as the most urgent health problem facing the nation/world today:(open‐ended, multiple responses allowed)

Note: Asked of separate half samples.Source: Gallup surveys (1987, 1991, 1992); Los Angeles Times Survey (1990); Kaiser Family Foundation surveys (1995‐2012)

SLIDE 2

WorldNation

5

Perception Of Most Urgent Health Problem Facing Nation, World

What do you think is the most urgent health problem facing the nation/world today? (open‐ended, multiple responses allowed)

6%

10%

13%

15%

17%

17%

22%

35%Cancer

Health insurance/the uninsured

Health care costs

Heart disease

Obesity

Hunger/malnutrition

Diabetes

HIV/AIDS

Note: “Other” and responses less than 5 percent not shown. Total exceeds 100% due to multiple responses. Asked of separate half‐samples.Source: Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation 2012 Survey of Americans on HIV/AIDS (conducted June 11‐24, 2012)

NATION WORLD

8%

5%

16%

9%

7%

17%

15%

16%

41%

Health care access

n/a

SLIDE 3

56

52

41

35

43

39

2219

17%

42

35

23

13

17

13

24

7%0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

1995 1997 2000 2002 2004 2006 2009 2011 2012

Blacks More Likely Than Whites To Name HIV/AIDS As Most Urgent Health Problem For Nation

Percent who name HIV/AIDS as the most urgent health problem facing the nation today: (open‐ended, multiple responses allowed)

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation surveys

SLIDE 4

WhitesBlacks

6

2224

19 18 1715

13

18

13%

2830 30

23 2421

17

24

15%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

1995 1997 2000 2002 2004 2006 2009 2011 2012

After 2011 Uptick, Reported Level Of Personal Concern Returns To Earlier Levels

Percent who say they are personally “very concerned” about becoming infected with HIV:


SLIDE 5

Among all adultsAmong young adults ages 18‐29

12%

11%

13%

15%

9%

9%

12%

13%

13%

22%

26%

28%

65%

55%

49%

44%

Younger Age Groups More Likely To Express Personal Concern About HIV Infection

Bearing in mind the different ways people can be infected with HIV—how concerned are you personally about becoming infected with HIV?

Somewhat concernedVery concerned Not too concerned Not at all concerned

Note: Don’t know/Refused answers not shown.Source: Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation 2012 Survey of Americans on HIV/AIDS (conducted June 11‐24, 2012)

Ages 30‐49

Ages 50‐64

Ages 65+

Ages 18‐29

SLIDE 6

7

Blacks More Likely To Express Concern About HIV Infection For Themselves, Their Families

Percent who say they are “very concerned” about…

…personally becoming infected with HIV

…an immediate family member becoming infected with HIV

Source: Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation 2012 Survey of Americans on HIV/AIDS (conducted June 11‐24, 2012)

6%

19%

33%

13%Total

Blacks

Latinos

Whites 9%

25%

45%

18%

SLIDE 7

Visibility Higher For Epidemic In Africa Compared With U.S. And Other Parts Of World

During the last year, how much, if anything, have you personally seen, heard, or read about the problem of AIDS in each area?

6%

14%

22%

18%

29%

29%

35%

41%

30%

39%

15%

18%

The United States

Elsewhere in the world other than Africa or the U.S.

Africa

SLIDE 8

SomeA lot Only a little Nothing at all


8

Visibility Of HIV Epidemic In The U.S. And Africa Down Since 2004

Percent who say they have personally seen, heard, or read “a lot” in the past year about the problem of AIDS in…


SLIDE 9

34

14 13 14%

51

2623 22%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

2004 2009 2011 2012

AfricaThe U.S.

Most Say Federal Government Spending On Domestic HIV Too Little Or About Right

Compared with the amount of money the federal government spends on other health problems, such as heart disease and cancer, do you think federal spending on HIV/AIDS is too high, too low, or about right?

Note: Asked of separate half samples. Don’t know/Refused answers not shown.Source: Kaiser Family Foundation surveys

Thinking about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the U.S., in general do you think the federal government spends too much money on HIV/AIDS, too little, or about the right amount?

5155

39

52

63

5053

50%

32

25

3936

1728 28 28%

85

75

75

7 7%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

1997 2000 2002 2004 2006 2009 20112012

Too much

Aboutright

Too little

Too high

Aboutright

Too low

4043

29

42

48

35

3943%

35

30

42

40

24

36

3835%

118

11

6 7 7 86%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

1997 2000 2002 2004 2006 2009 20112012

SLIDE 10

9

Majority Say More Spending On Domestic HIV Will Lead To Progress

In general, do you think that spending more money on (INSERT ITEM) in the U.S. will lead to meaningful progress in slowing the epidemic, or that spending more money won’t make much difference?

54%

8%

39%56%

11%

34%

Won’t make much difference

Depends (vol.)/Don’t know/Refused

Lead to meaningful progress

HIV/AIDS PREVENTION



HIV/AIDS TREATMENT

Note: Asked of separate half samples.Source: Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation 2012 Survey of Americans on HIV/AIDS (conducted June 11‐24, 2012)

SLIDE 11

Depends (vol.)/Don’t know/Refused

40%

46%

42%

48%

40%

56%

32%

65%

37%

48%

34%

54%

32%

58%

32%

61%

Young Adults Most Likely To Believe Spending Will Lead To Progress

In general, do you think that spending more money on (INSERT ITEM) in the U.S. will lead to meaningful progress in slowing the epidemic, or that spending more money won’t make much difference?

HIV/AIDS PREVENTION

Note: Asked of separate half samples. Depends (vol.) and Don’t know/Refused answers not shown.Source: Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation 2012 Survey of Americans on HIV/AIDS (conducted June 11‐24, 2012)



HIV/AIDS TREATMENT

Ages 30‐49

Ages 50‐64

Ages 18‐29

Ages 65+

SLIDE 12

10

32

5249

47

40

4548

51%

15 14

20

13

22

18

23

18%

48

27 26

36

29

22

18 18%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

1995 1997 2002 2004 2006 2009 2011 2012

Half See Progress Against Domestic Epidemic

Thinking about the way the problem of HIV/AIDS affects the United States today, do you think the problem is about the same as it has been, that the U.S. is making progress in this area, or that the U.S. is losing ground?

Note: Asked of separate half sample. Don’t know/Refused answers not shown.Source: Kaiser Family Foundation surveys

SLIDE 13

About the same Losing groundMaking progress

Blacks Less Likely Than Whites To Perceive Progress On Domestic Epidemic

Thinking about the way the problem of HIV/AIDS affects the United States today, do you think the problem is about the same as it has been, that the U.S. is making progress in this area, or that the U.S. is losing ground?

14%

14%

20%

52%

12%

25%

22%

41%U.S. making progress

About the same

U.S. losing ground

Don’t know/Refused

Blacks

Whites

SLIDE 14

Note: Asked of separate half sample. Source: Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation 2012 Survey of Americans on HIV/AIDS (conducted June 11‐24, 2012)

11

Most Perceive Problems In Access To Medication In U.S.; More Perceive Access To Prevention As Adequate

27%

12%

61% 61%

8%

31%

Do you think that most people in the U.S. who need treatment for HIV actually get medication, or do you think that most of them do not get the medication they need?

Most do not get medications


Most get medications Most do not

have accessMost have access

Do you think that most people in the U.S. have access to HIV prevention services, such as HIV education, testing, and counseling, or not?


SLIDE 15


Knowledge About Impact Of HIV On African Americans

As far as you know, has the HIV epidemic had a greater impact, a smaller impact, or about the same impact on African Americans as it has on whites in the United States?

14%

3%

30%

52%

10%

9%

29%

53%

5%

4%

28%

63%

12%

4%

30%

54%

Greater impact

About the same impact

Smaller impact


Blacks

Latinos

Total

Whites

SLIDE 16


12

A Third Harbor At Least One Misconception About HIV Transmission

Percent who do not know that HIV CANNOT be transmitted by: (incorrect answers*)

34%

11%

17%

27%Sharing a drinking glass

Touching a toilet seat

Swimming in a pool with someone who is HIV positive

Incorrect answer to at least one of the above

*Includes “Yes” and “Don’t know” responses.Source: Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation 2012 Survey of Americans on HIV/AIDS (conducted June 11‐24, 2012)

SLIDE 17

44

2624

2225

22

2725

27%31

1916 16

1816

17 16 17%

1412 11%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

1985 1987 1990 2000 2004 2006 2009 2011 2012

Misconceptions About Transmission Persist Over Many Years


*Includes “Yes” and “Don’t know” responses.Source: ABC News Polls (1985‐1990) [Note: question wording for ABC News Polls was “Can you catch AIDS from using the same drinking glass/sitting on a toilet seat?”]; Kaiser Family Foundation surveys (2000‐2012)



Sharing a drinking glass

SLIDE 18

13

Seniors Most Likely To Have Misconceptions About HIV Transmission


53%

20%

28%

47%

31%

10%

13%

23%

25%

7%

10%

20%

37%

11%

24%

26%

*Includes “Yes” and “Don’t know” responses.Source: Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation 2012 Survey of Americans on HIV/AIDS (conducted June 11‐24, 2012)

Sharing a drinking glass



Incorrect answer to at least one of the above

SLIDE 19

Ages 30‐49

Ages 50‐64

Ages 18‐29

Ages 65+

Sizeable Shares Hold Misperceptions On Key Facts About HIV

Percent who do not know the following statement is true: (incorrect answers*)

30%

31%

24%There is no cure for AIDS at present

There is a vaccine available to prevent people from becoming infected with HIV

Magic Johnson has been cured of AIDS

*Includes “False” and “Don’t know” responses. **Includes “True” and “Don’t know” responses.Source: Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation 2012 Survey of Americans on HIV/AIDS (conducted June 11‐24, 2012)

Percent who do not know the following statements are false: (incorrect answers**)

SLIDE 20

14

Slightly More Blacks Report Misperceptions About HIV/AIDS

Percent who do not know the following statements are false: (incorrect answers*)

28%

29%

30%

31%

40%

38%

Magic Johnson has been cured of AIDS

There is a vaccine available to prevent people from becoming infected with HIV

*Includes “True” and “Don’t know” responses.Source: Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation 2012 Survey of Americans on HIV/AIDS (conducted June 11‐24, 2012)

Blacks

Latinos

Whites

SLIDE 21

24

6

13

19

39

35

43 4442 43

41

45%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

1983 1985 1986 1989 1991 1995 1997 2000 2004 2006 2009 2011 2012

Over Four In Ten Report Knowing Someone With HIV/AIDS

Percent who say they personally know anyone who now has AIDS, has died from AIDS, or has tested positive for HIV:

Source: ABC News/Washington Post (1983); Gallup (1985‐1991); Kaiser Family Foundation surveys (1995‐2012)

SLIDE 22

15

Half Of Blacks Report Personal Ties To Someone With HIV/AIDS

Do you personally know anyone who now has AIDS, has died from AIDS, or has tested positive for HIV? Is that a family member, a close friend, an acquaintance or co‐worker, or someone else?

Yes, acquaintance, co‐worker, someone else

Yes, close friend or family member

No

19%

30%

35%

22%

25%

16%

18%

23%

55%

52%

46%

53%

Blacks

Latinos

Whites

Total

SLIDE 23


Reported Comfort With People Who Have HIV/AIDS

In general, how comfortable would you be, personally:

24%

33%

45%

48%

28%

29%

27%

29%

22%

15%

17%

12%

22%

18%

9%

8%

If your children had a teacher who was HIV‐positive*

Having a roommate who is HIV‐positive

Having your food prepared by someone who is HIV‐positive

Working with someone who has HIV or AIDS

*Asked of those who have children ages 21 or younger. Note: Doesn’t apply and Don’t know/Refused answers not shown.Source: Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation 2012 Survey of Americans on HIV/AIDS (conducted June 11‐24, 2012)

Somewhat comfortableVery comfortable Somewhat uncomfortable Very uncomfortable

SLIDE 24

16

32 3335

4144

49 48%

29

3436

45%

2527

3033%

2124 24%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

1997 2000 2004 2006 2009 2011 2012

Reported Comfort Around People With HIV/AIDS Rising Slowly But Steadily Over Long Term

Percent who say they would be “very” comfortable with each of the following:


SLIDE 25

Having a roommate who is HIV positive

If their child had a teacher who was HIV positive (among parents)

Working with someone who has HIV or AIDS

Having their food prepared by someone who is HIV positive

28%

64%

61%

86%

65%

32%

34%

12%

Relationship Between Stigma And Knowledge

Percent who say they would be comfortable/uncomfortable working with someone with HIV:

Those with INCORRECT answers about HIV transmission

Percent who say they would be comfortable/uncomfortable having their food prepared by someone who is HIV‐positive:

Very or somewhat UNCOMFORTABLEVery or somewhat COMFORTABLE

SLIDE 26

Those who give correct answers about HIV transmission

Those with INCORRECT answers about HIV transmission

Those who give correct answers about HIV transmission


17

26%

21%

40%

32%

70%

73%

55%

60%

Some Still See AIDS As Punishment/Fault

In general, it’s people’s own fault if they get AIDS:

2002

I sometimes think that AIDS is a punishment for the decline in moral standards:

DisagreeAgree

SLIDE 27

2012

2002

2012

Note: Don’t know/Refused answers not shown.Source: Kaiser Family Foundation surveys

Please tell me whether you agree or disagree with each statement:

46%

89%

48%

8%

Personal Attitudes About HIV/AIDS

Please tell me whether you agree or disagree with each statement:

DisagreeAgree

SLIDE 28

It is possible for people with HIV to lead healthy, productive lives

HIV is a manageable chronic disease, similar to diabetes or high blood pressure


18

Discrimination Perceived As Widespread, But Long‐Term Trend Toward Decline

How much prejudice and discrimination do you think there is against people living with HIV and AIDS in this country today?


51%

45%

45%

40%

40%

33%

38%

36%

37%

35%

8%

9%

11%

14%

15%

2%

2%

3%

4%

4%

2006

2004

2000

2011

SomeA lot Only a little None at all

SLIDE 29

2012

Blacks More Likely To Perceive A Lot Of HIV‐Related Discrimination

How much prejudice and discrimination do you think there is against people living with HIV and AIDS in this country today?


39%

38%

48%

40%

36%

37%

33%

35%

14%

19%

11%

15%

3%

3%

5%

4%

Blacks

Latinos

Whites

Total

SLIDE 30

SomeA lot Only a little None at all

19

Four In Ten Expect To See A Cure For AIDS

Do you expect we will discover a cure for AIDS in…

41%

7%

21%

30%41%

7%

26%

26%

No

Yes

THE NEXT TEN YEARS

No

Yes

YOUR LIFETIME

Note: Asked of separate half‐samples.Source: Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation 2012 Survey of Americans on HIV/AIDS (conducted June 11‐24, 2012)

Don’t know if cure will be discovered in next ten years

Believe cure already exists/ Don’t know

Don’t know if cure will be discovered in their lifetime


SLIDE 31

42%

48%

41%

42%

45%

41%

22%

29%

26%

23%

29%

30%

4%

7%

7%

8%

5%

7%

31%

16%

26%

27%

20%

21%

Level Of Optimism About A Cure For AIDS Similar To 2002

Do you expect we will discover a cure for AIDS in the next 10 years, or not?

2002

2011

2002

2011

Do you expect we will discover a cure for AIDS in your lifetime, or not?

NoYesDon’t know if cure will be discovered


SLIDE 32

Note: Asked of separate half‐samples.Source: Kaiser Family Foundation surveys

2012

2012

20

43

50

55 5553 54 54%

19 2023

2119

21 22%

26

30

35

26

30

26

33%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

1997 2000 2004 2006 2009 2011 2012

Reported HIV Testing Rates Relatively Flat, Including Among Young Adults

Among those ages 18‐64, percent who say they have been tested for HIV ever and in the last 12 months:


SLIDE 33

Yes, tested in the past 12 months

Yes, tested in the past 12 months, among those ages 18‐29

Yes, ever been tested

39

33

3841 40

4345%

24 23

3028 28

24

30%

16 17 1816

14 15 14%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

1997 2000 2004 2006 2009 2011 2012

Trend In Non‐Elderly Who Report Being Tested For HIV In The Last Twelve Months By Race/Ethnicity

Among those ages 18‐64, percent who say they have been tested for HIV IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS:


SLIDE 34

WhitesLatinosBlacks

21

Younger Adults More Likely To Report Being Tested In Past Year

Percent who say they have ever been tested for HIV:

Note: Numbers may not add up to 100% due to rounding. Don’t know/Refused answers not shown.Source: Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation 2012 Survey of Americans on HIV/AIDS (conducted June 11‐24, 2012)

Yes, but not in last 12 monthsYes, in last 12 months No, never tested

4%

11%

23%

33%

18%

19%

34%

41%

14%

29%

73%

53%

34%

52%

50%

Ages 18‐29

Ages 30‐49

Ages 50‐64

Total

SLIDE 35

Ages 65+

3634

43 43 4245 46%

19

29 30%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

1997 2000 2004 2006 2009 2011 2012

Reported Conversations With Doctors About HIV Up Slightly Over Time

Among those ages 18‐64, percent who say they have ever…


SLIDE 36

…had a doctor or other health care provider suggest they be tested for HIV

…talked with a doctor or health care provider about HIV or AIDS

22

48 47

58 57

70 69

64%

35

32

40

4447 46

52%

34

33 40 4037

39 40%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

1997 2000 2004 2006 2009 2011 2012

Blacks, Hispanics More Likely To Report Talking To Doctors About HIV/AIDS

Among those ages 18‐64, percent who say they have ever talked with a doctor or health care provider about HIV or AIDS:


SLIDE 37

WhitesLatinosBlacks

Younger Adults More Likely To Report Talking To Doctor, Partner About HIV/AIDS

Percent who say they’ve ever talked with a doctor or health care provider about HIV/AIDS:

20%

38%

51%

49%Ages 18‐29

Ages 30‐49

Ages 50‐64

Ages 65+ 25%

40%

57%

55%

Percent who say they’ve ever talked with a partner or spouse about HIV/AIDS:

SLIDE 38


23

Blacks, Hispanics More Likely To Report Talking With Doctor, Partner About HIV/AIDS

35%

51%

59%

41%Total

Blacks

Latinos

Whites 39%

63%

61%

46%

SLIDE 39


Percent who say they’ve ever talked with a doctor or health care provider about HIV/AIDS:

Percent who say they’ve ever talked with a partner or spouse about HIV/AIDS:

Blacks, Hispanics More Likely Than Whites To Report Discussing HIV/AIDS With Family And Friends

How often would you say the subject of HIV/AIDS comes up in discussions with your family and friends?

SometimesOften Rarely Never

4%

14%

16%

7%

16%

21%

29%

18%

43%

39%

28%

40%

36%

25%

28%

34%

Blacks

Latinos

Whites

Total

SLIDE 40


24

Percent Saying A Doctor Suggested HIV Testing By Race/Ethnicity

Has a doctor or other health care provider ever suggested that you be tested for HIV, or not?

22%

33%

37%

26%

77%

63%

61%

72%

Blacks

Latinos

Total

SLIDE 41

NoYes


Whites

Reported HIV Testing Experiences

29%

3%

68%50%

3%

18%

29%

The last time you were tested for HIV, did you go to a doctor or a clinic specifically to get an HIV test, or did you decide to get an HIV test as part of another health visit, such as a routine check‐up? (Among the 48% who have been tested)

As part of another health visit

Dk/Ref.

Went specifically to get an HIV test

Doctor/Nurse told me

Dk/Ref.*

Asked to be tested

The last time you were tested for HIV, how did you know the test was being done? Did you ask to be tested for HIV, did the doctor or nurse tell you this test was being done, or was it your impression that the test was a routine part of the exam? (Among the 48% who have been tested)

* Includes “Tested as part of blood donation/blood drive (vol.).”Source: Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation 2012 Survey of Americans on HIV/AIDS (conducted June 11‐24, 2012)

SLIDE 42

Impression it was routine part of exam

25

‘Seemed Like A Good Idea’ Is Most Common Reason For Testing

Percent who say each of the following is a reason they got tested for HIV (among the 48% who have been tested for HIV):

10%

19%

31%

37%

73%It just seemed like a good idea

It’s something you do every year

A partner suggested or asked that you get tested

You were concerned that you might be infected

Your doctor or other health care provider suggested you get tested

SLIDE 43


Not Feeling At Risk Is Biggest Reason For Not Getting Tested

Percent who say each of the following is a reason they have NOT been tested for HIV (among the 47% of those ages 18‐64 who have never been tested for HIV):

3%

6%

12%

36%

57%

SLIDE 44

You don’t think you’re at risk

You don’t know where to go to get tested

You’re afraid you’ll test positive

You worry about confidentiality

Your doctor never recommended it


26

Section 2

Americans’ Views on Some Key Issues and New Developments in HIV/AIDS

Six In Ten Recognize That HIV Drugs Cost More In U.S. Than In Developing Countries

When it comes to prescription drugs used to treat HIV, do you think people in this country pay higher or lower prices than people in developing countries pay for the same prescription drug, or do you think they pay about the same amount?

SLIDE 46

60%

14%

13%

14%

People in this country pay lower prices


People in this country pay higher prices

Pay about the same amount


27

56%

19%

5%

Eight In Ten Say All Americans With HIV Should Get Treatment Regardless Of Ability To Pay

79%6%

15%

As you may know, treatments are available that can extend the lives and improve quality of life for those living with HIV, but these treatments can be very expensive. Do you think that ALL Americans with HIV should be provided with these treatments, regardless of their ability to pay, or not?

No, all Americans with HIV should not get treatment

Dk/Ref.

Yes, all Americans with HIV should get treatment regardless

of ability to pay

Asked of those who say that all Americans with HIV should get treatment regardless of ability to pay: Would YOU be willing to pay higher taxes in order to provide treatment for all Americans with HIV, or not? (numbers based on total)

SLIDE 47

Yes, would be willing to pay higher taxes

No, not willing to pay higher taxes

Dk/Ref.


49%

7%

44%

Public Split On The Role Of Treatment In Prevention

Which comes closer to your view about providing treatment to people with HIV:

SLIDE 48


It improves the lives of those who receive treatment AND also helps prevent the spread of the disease to others

It improves the lives of those who receive treatment, BUT it does nothing to help prevent the spread of the disease


28

17%

33%

50%

Half Say HIV Drugs Can Not Be Used To Lower Risk For Those HIV‐Negative

As far as you know, can the drugs used to treat HIV also be used by people who are HIV‐negative to lower their risk of getting HIV, or not?

SLIDE 49

No


Yes


Most Think Rapid Home HIV Test A Good Idea, But Most Prefer To Be Tested In Doctor’s Office

SLIDE 50

72%

3%

7%

18%

59%

3%

8%

30%

The FDA has been discussing a new over‐the‐counter HIV test that people could use at home to learn their HIV status within 20 minutes. Which comes closer to your view about this type of test:

It is bad idea because people need access to counseling when they find out their HIV status

Dk/Ref.

It is a good idea because it would encourage people to learn their HIV status who might not get tested otherwise

Do the test yourself at home

Wouldn’t get tested/ Don’t know/Refused

Have the test done in a

doctor’s office or clinic

If you were to be tested for HIV, would you prefer to…?

Neither/Both (vol.)

Either/Doesn’t matter (vol.)


29

5%

7%

19%

9%

12%

20%

41%

26%

26%

39%

41%

29%

6%

14%

6%

Few Report Confidence In Congress, Romney On HIV; Obama Fares Somewhat Better

How much confidence do you have in [INSERT] when it comes to making the right decisions in dealing with HIV and AIDS—a great deal, a good amount, just some or none at all?


Mitt Romney

Congress

Barack Obama

SLIDE 51

A good amountA great deal Just some None at all Dk/Ref.

Most Groups Perceived As Not Doing Enough On Domestic HIV

Please tell me if you think each of the following groups are doing enough to help solve the problem of HIV/AIDS in this country, are not doing enough, or if they should not be involved at all in this issue.

Note: Some items asked of separate half sample.Source: Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation 2012 Survey of Americans on HIV/AIDS (conducted June 11‐24, 2012)

35%

47%

50%

51%

51%

61%

41%

29%

24%

36%

31%

16%

6%

11%

16%

5%

9%

14%

18%

13%

10%

9%

10%

8%

Local nonprofit organizations in your area

Congress

President Obama and his administration

Public schools

Pharmaceutical companies

Religious leaders and institutions

Not doing enough Should not be involved at allDoing enough Dk/Ref.

SLIDE 52

30

Section 3

An Update on American Opinion on the U.S. Role in Global HIV

3538

36

46

51

58%

15

9

1614

16 15%

45

49

40

32

26

18%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

2002 2004 2006 2009 2011 2012

Increasing Share See Global Progress On HIV/AIDS

Thinking about the way the problem of HIV/AIDS affects the world today, do you think the problem is about the same as it has been, that the world is making progress in this area, or that the world is losing ground?

Note: Asked of separate half sample. Don’t know/Refused answers not shown.Source: Kaiser Family Foundation surveys

SLIDE 54

About the same Losing groundMaking progress

31

Most Say Those In Developing Countries Don’t Have Access To HIV Treatment And Prevention Services

5%

7%

87%

16%

11%73%

Do you think that most people in developing countries who need treatment for HIV actually get medication, or do you think that most of them do not get the medication they need?

Most do not get medications

Dk/Ref.

Most get medications

Most do not have access

Dk/Ref.

Most have access

Do you think that most people in developing countries have access to HIV prevention services, such as HIV education, testing, and counseling, or not?


SLIDE 55

Most Say Various Groups Not Doing Enough On Global HIV

When it comes to the problem of AIDS in developing countries, would you say the following are doing enough to help solve the problem of AIDS in developing countries, or are they not doing enough?

Note: Items asked of separate half samples. Source: Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation 2012 Survey of Americans on HIV/AIDS (conducted June 11‐24, 2012)

39%

44%

48%

50%

59%

72%

44%

33%

22%

35%

25%

13%

1%

7%

3%

6%

2%

1%

16%

17%

27%

10%

14%

14%

International nonprofit organizations and foundations

The U.S. government

President Obama and his administration

The governments of developing countries themselves hardest hit by HIV

Pharmaceutical companies

The governments of wealthier nations other than the U.S., such as England, France, Italy, Germany, and Japan

SLIDE 56

Not doing enough Doing enough Dk/Ref.Should not be involved at all (vol.)

32

Views On U.S. Spending On HIV/AIDS In Developing Countries Over Time

Do you think the U.S. is now spending too much, too little, or about the right amount on preventing and treating HIV in developing countries?


SLIDE 57

31

56

37

43

32%

34

13

29

33

37%

1613

16 16 16%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

Jun 2002 Apr 2006 Mar 2009 Oct 2009 Jul 2012

Too muchRight amountToo little

71

62

55

6966%

22

30

34

23 22%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

2002 2004 2006 2009 2012

Addressing Problems At Home Trumps Spending On HIV/AIDS In Developing Countries

When forced to choose, percent who choose each statement as the one they agree with MORE STRONGLY:

Note: Neither/Both equally (vol.), Disagree with both, and Don’t know/Refused answers not shown.Source: Kaiser Family Foundation surveys

SLIDE 58

The U.S. is a global leader and has a responsibility to spend more money to help fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic in developing countries.

The U.S. should address problems at home first rather than spending more money to deal with the HIV/AIDS epidemic in developing countries.

33

Large Majorities See Various Factors As Barriers To Progress On HIV In Developing Countries

Now I will mention some things that may or may not be reasons why it has been difficult to control the spread of HIV/AIDS in developing countries. For each, please tell me if you think it is a major reason, a minor reason, or not a reason.

31%

63%

71%

74%

76%

85%

40%

22%

17%

16%

12%

10%

24%

10%

7%

5%

8%

3%Unwillingness of people to change unsafe

sexual practices

Widespread poverty

Lack of programs that are effective at preventing the spread of HIV

Not enough support from the U.S. and other developed countries

Corruption and misuse of funds

The developing country governments not doing enough themselves to fight AIDS

SLIDE 59

Major reason Not a reasonMinor reason


Few Report Hearing Of Obama Administration’s Call For AIDS‐Free Generation, But Over Half Think It’s Achievable

How much, if anything, have you heard about the Obama Administration’s call for the U.S. and others to create an AIDS‐free generation? A lot, some, only a little, or nothing at all?

SLIDE 60

Do you think it is possible to achieve the goal of an AIDS‐free generation worldwide by the year 2050?

3%

13%

3%

23%

58% 55%

5%

4%

36%

A lot

Some

Only a little

Dk/Ref.

Nothing at all

Dk/Ref.

Depends (vol.)

No, not possible

Yes, possible


34

Methodology The Washington Post/Kaiser Family Foundation Survey Project is a partnership and an experiment in combining survey research and reporting to better inform the public. The 2012 Survey of Americans on HIV/AIDS, the 24th in this partnership series, was conducted by telephone from June 11‐24, 2012 among a representative random sample of 1,524 adults ages 18 and older living in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii (note: persons without a telephone could not be included in the random selection process). Computer‐assisted telephone interviews conducted by landline (866) and cell phone (658, including 349 who had no landline telephone) were carried out in English and Spanish by Braun Research, Inc. under the direction of Princeton Survey Research Associates International (PSRAI). The bulk of the interviews were conducted with respondents from random digit dial (RDD) landline (N=806) and cell phone (N=601) samples. Both the landline and cell phone samples were provided by Survey Sampling International, LLC. For the landline sample, respondents were selected by asking for the youngest adult male or female currently at home based on a random rotation. If no one of that gender was available, interviewers asked to speak with the youngest adult of the opposite gender. For the cell phone sample, interviews were conducted with the person who answered the phone. In order to ensure enough African American respondents for separate analysis, both the landline and cell RDD samples were disproportionately stratified by county based on estimated incidences of African‐American respondents. Further, an additional 117 interviews (60 landline, 57 cell phone) were conducted with African American respondents who previously completed recent national PSRAI surveys of the general public. The previous surveys were also conducted with RDD samples that used similar methodology to the current survey. The combined RDD landline, RDD cell phone, and callback sample was weighted to balance the sample demographics to match estimates for the national population data from the Census Bureau’s 2011 Annual Social and Economic Supplement (ASEC) on sex, age, education, race, Hispanic origin, nativity (for Hispanics only), and region along with data from the 2000 Census on population density. The sample was also weighted to match current patterns of telephone use using data from the January‐June 2011 National Health Interview Survey. The weight takes into account the fact that respondents with both a landline and cell phone have a higher probability of selection in the combined sample and also adjusts for the household size for the landline sample. All statistical tests of significance account for the effect of weighting. Weighted and unweighted values for key demographic variables are shown in the following table.

Sample Demographics

Unweighted Weighted

GenderMale 48.6% 49.0%

Female 51.4% 51.0%Age

18‐24 8.5% 12.5%25‐34 12.9% 16.9%35‐44 14.1% 16.3%45‐54 17.8% 18.3%55‐64 21.0% 16.3%65+ 21.9% 18.2%

EducationLess than HS Grad. 8.9% 12.4%

HS Grad. 29.0% 32.1%Some College 24.3% 24.4%College Grad. 35.8% 29.8%

Race/EthnicityWhite/not Hispanic 56.4% 66.1%Black/not Hispanic 27.4% 12.9%

Hisp ‐ US born 5.6% 6.6%Hisp ‐ born outside 3.0% 5.9%Other/not Hispanic 5.3% 6.7%

35

Representatives of The Washington Post and the Kaiser Family Foundation worked together to develop the survey questionnaire and analyze the results. Each organization bears the sole responsibility for the work that appears under its name. The project team from the Kaiser Family Foundation included: Mollyann Brodie, Ph.D., Liz Hamel, and Bianca DiJulio. The project team from The Washington Post included: Jon Cohen, Peyton Craighill, Kristina Meacham, and Scott Clement. See the table below for information on the margin of sampling error including the design effect. For results based on other subgroups, the margin of sampling error may be higher. Sample sizes and margin of sampling errors for other subgroups are available by request. Note that sampling error is only one of many potential sources of error in this or any other public opinion poll.

Group Number of interviews Margin of sampling error

Total 1,524 ± 3 percentage points

Whites 859 ± 4 percentage points

Blacks 417 ± 7 percentage points

Latinos 130 ± 10 percentage points

Young adults (ages 18‐29) 226 ± 8 percentage points

The response rate calculated based on the American Association of Public Opinion Research’s Response Rate 3 formula was 10 percent for the landline RDD sample, 11 percent for the cell phone RDD sample, 28 percent for the landline callback sample, and 29 percent for the cell phone callback sample. Full information about the survey is available at http://www.kff.org/kaiserpolls/8334.cfm. Please note: (1) Table percentages may not add to 100% due to rounding. (2) Values less than 0.5% are indicated by an asterisk (*). (3) “vol.” indicates that a response was volunteered by respondent and not an explicitly offered choice.

36

The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation

Headquarters 2400 Sand Hill Road Menlo Park, CA 94025

Phone: (650) 854‐9400 Fax: (650) 854‐4800

Washington Offices and Barbara Jordan Conference Center

1330 G Street, NW Washington, DC 20005

Phone: (202) 347‐5270 Fax: (202) 347‐5274

www.kff.org

This publication (#8334‐F) is available on the Kaiser Family Foundation website at www.kff.org.

The Kaiser Family Foundation, a leader in health policy analysis, health journalism and communication, is dedicated to filling the need for trusted, independent information on the major health issues facing our nation and its people.

The Foundation is a non‐profit private operating foundation, based in Menlo Park, California.

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