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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
immunology and microbiology
HIV/AIDS misconceptions may be associated with condom use among black South Africans: An exploratory analysis
African Journal of AIDS Research, Volume 10, No. 2, Year 2011
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Description
In South Africa, approximately 20% of 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;56% males) 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. Copyright © NISC (Pty) Ltd.
Authors & Co-Authors
Bogart, Laura M.
United States, Boston
Boston Children's Hospital
Skinner, Donald
South Africa, Cape Town
Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Weinhardt, Lance S.
United States, Milwaukee
Medical College of Wisconsin
Glasman, Laura R.
United States, Milwaukee
Medical College of Wisconsin
Sitzler, Cheryl A.
United States, Milwaukee
Medical College of Wisconsin
Toefy, Yoesrie
South Africa, Cape Town
Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Kalichman, Seth Charles
United States, Storrs
University of Connecticut
Statistics
Citations: 45
Authors: 7
Affiliations: 4
Identifiers
Doi:
10.2989/16085906.2011.593384
ISSN:
16085906
e-ISSN:
17279445
Research Areas
Health System And Policy
Infectious Diseases
Sexual And Reproductive Health
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Exploratory Study
Study Approach
Quantitative
Study Locations
South Africa
Participants Gender
Male
Female