The aims and objectives of this survey were to: Describe the experience of and attitudes towards the care of people with AIDS or related conditions; describe the social context in which requirements of health care are negotiated; look at the continuity of care between hospital and community; describe balance of care between professional and lay carers; describe views and perceptions of care of patients and formal and informal carers; examine process of obtaining care; examine balance of care between hospital and community; look at social consequences of care received. Methodological issues in research; care of pwas; needs for health and social care of pwas; receiving a positive HIV antibody test; use of general practitioner services; care from the home support team; role of informal carers; role of the voluntary sector; symptoms of AIDS and their relief.