HIV/AIDS Misconceptions may be Associated with Condom Use among Black South Africans: an Exploratory Analysis
Afr. j. AIDS res. (Online)
;
10(2): 181-187, 2011.
Article
in English
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1256558
ABSTRACT
In South Africa; approximately 20of 15-49-year-olds are infected with HIV. Among black South Africans; high levels of HIV/AIDS misconceptions (e.g. HIV is manufactured by whites to reduce the black African population; AIDS is caused by supernatural forces or witchcraft) may be barriers to HIV prevention. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 150 young black adults (aged 18-26; 56males) visiting a public clinic for sexually transmitted infections; to investigate whether HIV/AIDS misconceptions were related to low condom use in main partner relationships. We assessed agreement with HIV/AIDS misconceptions relating to the supernatural (e.g. witchcraft as a cause of HIV) and to genocide (e.g. the withholding of a cure). In multivariate models; agreement that `Witchcraft plays a role in HIV transmission' was significantly related to less positive attitudes about condoms; less belief in condom effectiveness for HIV prevention; and lower intentions to use condoms among men. The belief that `Vitamins and fresh fruits and vegetables can cure AIDS' was associated with lower intentions among men to use condoms. Women who endorsed the belief linking HIV to witchcraft had a higher likelihood of unprotected sex with a main partner; whereas women who endorsed the belief that a cure for AIDS was being withheld had a lower likelihood of having had unprotected sex. Knowledge about distinct types of HIV/AIDS misconceptions and their correlates can help in the design of culturally appropriate HIV-prevention messages that address such beliefs
Search on Google
Index:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
Attitude
/
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
/
HIV
/
Condoms
/
Black People
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Risk factors
Language:
English
Journal:
Afr. j. AIDS res. (Online)
Year:
2011
Type:
Article
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS