THE IMPACT OF MAGIC-JOHNSON HIV SEROSTATUS DISCLOSURE ON UNMARRIED COLLEGE-STUDENTS HIV KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, RISK PERCEPTION, AND SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR

Unmarried heterosexual college students' HIV knowledge, attitudes, ris k perception, and sexual behavior were assessed before and after ''Mag ic'' Johnson revealed his HIV-positive serostatus. Students examined a fter the disclosure showed a small, though statistically significant, increase in scores on HIV knowledge. Analyses did not reveal any other differences between the pre- and postdisclosure samples. Several diff erences between men's and women's scores were found, however. In addit ion, participants in both groups demonstrated generally positive attit udes toward HIV and people with HIV disease; rated their risk of futur e HIV infection as none to minimal; and reported frequently engaging i n vaginal, oral, and anal intercourse without the use of condoms. Thes e results suggest that Magic's disclosure did not significantly affect these students' attitudes, risk perception, or sexual behavior and th at such students continue to engage in behaviors that may put them at risk for HIV infection.