Following news reports that Apple Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs received a liver transplant this spring, 31% of American adults say publicly held companies should reveal when top managers are ill.

But a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% say publicly held companies should not have to disclose that information. Another 26% are undecided.

Just 31% of both investors and non-investors agree that health information of this nature should be released.

In January, Jobs announced plans to take a five-month medical leave of absence to address an undisclosed health issue. Photos focused on Jobs' weight loss and haggard appearance, and news reports speculated on the cause and suggested he might be hiding a terminal disease. But both Apple and Jobs, a co-founder of the company, refused to comment further.

While companies are not required to divulge medical details about executives, they are required to release important information that would influence investor decisions. Though his doctors have said Jobs is responding well to the transplant, some legal experts have criticized Apple for withholding health information about its top leader.

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Only 22% of adults think Apple misled investors by not disclosing the seriousness of Jobs’ illness. Thirty-two percent (32%) disagree and say Apple did not mislead investors, while 46% are not sure.

The plurality of adults (43%) has a favorable opinion of Jobs, down five points from January. Just 18% view the Apple CEO unfavorably, showing no change from five months ago. Another 38% have no opinion on Jobs.

Adults are following news on Apple and Jobs much less than they were back in January. Now, only 28% have been following the story somewhat or very closely, compared to 42% back in January. Seventy-one percent (71%) are not following the story closely, including 23% who are not following it at all.

Back in January, 41% of adults said Apple would do fine without Jobs.

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