ACCEPTANCE OF ZIDOVUDINE (AZT) IN EARLY HIV DISEASE - THE ROLE OF HEALTH BELIEFS

The object of this paper is to explore the health beliefs associated w ith taking AZT an asymptomatic HIV seropositive individuals. Twenty-ei ght asymptomatic gay men receiving out-patient care completed self-rep ort questionnaires. information was gathered on demography, general st ate of health, health locus of control and health beliefs about AZT th erapy. Analyses revealed that 'acceptors' and 'decliners' of early (co ntroversial) medical intervention in HIV disease hold distinctly diffe rernt beliefs regarding their own health and its relation to treatment An awareness of the fact that a patient's view of themselves is likel y to accord with any action or treatment decision they may have taken, could help to promote a better understanding of why treatment behavio urs may or may mot appear to be in harmony with the doctors own views and any current medical advice being offered.