Abstract
Misconceptions about HIV transmission and prevention may inhibit individuals' accurate assessment of their level of risk. We used venue-based sampling to conduct a cross-sectional study of heterosexually active adults (N = 1, 221) within areas exhibiting high poverty and HIV/ AIDS rates in Miami-Dade and Broward counties in 2007. Two logistic regression analyses identified correlates of holding inaccurate beliefs about HIV transmission and prevention. Belief in incorrect HIVprevention methods (27.2%) and modes of transmission (38.5%) was common. Having at least one incorrect prevention belief was associated with being Hispanic compared to white (non-Hispanic), being depressed, and not knowing one's HIV status. Having at least one incorrect transmission belief was associated with being younger, heavy alcohol use, being depressed, not having seen a physician in the past 12 months, and not knowing one's HIV status. Among low-income heterosexuals, HIV prevention and transmission myths are widespread. Debunking them could have HIV prevention value.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 751-760 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | AIDS and Behavior |
| Volume | 16 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Apr 2012 |
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Keywords
- Beliefs
- HIV
- HIV status
- Misconceptions
- Myths
- Prevention
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Social Psychology
Cite this
HIV Prevention and transmission myths among heterosexually active adults in low-income areas of South Florida. / Beck, Dano W.; LaLota, Marlene; Metsch, Lisa R.; Cardenas, Gabriel A.; Forrest, David W; Lieb, Spencer; Liberti, Thomas M.
In: AIDS and Behavior, Vol. 16, No. 3, 04.2012, p. 751-760.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - HIV Prevention and transmission myths among heterosexually active adults in low-income areas of South Florida
AU - Beck, Dano W.
AU - LaLota, Marlene
AU - Metsch, Lisa R.
AU - Cardenas, Gabriel A.
AU - Forrest, David W
AU - Lieb, Spencer
AU - Liberti, Thomas M.
PY - 2012/4
Y1 - 2012/4
N2 - Misconceptions about HIV transmission and prevention may inhibit individuals' accurate assessment of their level of risk. We used venue-based sampling to conduct a cross-sectional study of heterosexually active adults (N = 1, 221) within areas exhibiting high poverty and HIV/ AIDS rates in Miami-Dade and Broward counties in 2007. Two logistic regression analyses identified correlates of holding inaccurate beliefs about HIV transmission and prevention. Belief in incorrect HIVprevention methods (27.2%) and modes of transmission (38.5%) was common. Having at least one incorrect prevention belief was associated with being Hispanic compared to white (non-Hispanic), being depressed, and not knowing one's HIV status. Having at least one incorrect transmission belief was associated with being younger, heavy alcohol use, being depressed, not having seen a physician in the past 12 months, and not knowing one's HIV status. Among low-income heterosexuals, HIV prevention and transmission myths are widespread. Debunking them could have HIV prevention value.
AB - Misconceptions about HIV transmission and prevention may inhibit individuals' accurate assessment of their level of risk. We used venue-based sampling to conduct a cross-sectional study of heterosexually active adults (N = 1, 221) within areas exhibiting high poverty and HIV/ AIDS rates in Miami-Dade and Broward counties in 2007. Two logistic regression analyses identified correlates of holding inaccurate beliefs about HIV transmission and prevention. Belief in incorrect HIVprevention methods (27.2%) and modes of transmission (38.5%) was common. Having at least one incorrect prevention belief was associated with being Hispanic compared to white (non-Hispanic), being depressed, and not knowing one's HIV status. Having at least one incorrect transmission belief was associated with being younger, heavy alcohol use, being depressed, not having seen a physician in the past 12 months, and not knowing one's HIV status. Among low-income heterosexuals, HIV prevention and transmission myths are widespread. Debunking them could have HIV prevention value.
KW - Beliefs
KW - HIV
KW - HIV status
KW - Misconceptions
KW - Myths
KW - Prevention
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UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84863721701&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s10461-011-9953-7
DO - 10.1007/s10461-011-9953-7
M3 - Article
VL - 16
SP - 751
EP - 760
JO - AIDS and Behavior
JF - AIDS and Behavior
SN - 1090-7165
IS - 3
ER -