LAY HEALTH BELIEFS CONCERNING HIV AND AIDS - A BARRIER FOR CONTROL PROGRAMS

Work in AIDS control in East Africa revealed widespread lay health bel iefs concerning HIV infection and AIDS amongst health workers and memb ers of the general population at both lower and higher risk of infecti on. The beliefs were often factually incorrect and undermining to AIDS control in the field of information, education and communication (IEC ). The beliefs were conveyed informally but their origins could often be traced. Local media were important sources. The beliefs were powerf ul, persistent and resistant to conventional educational methods. Thei r prevalence and type changed with time in different groups. A model o f how the beliefs came to be generated is proposed and reasons suggest ed for their persistence and strength. A current programme for counter ing the beliefs is described. An additional important group of policy and scientific beliefs were also identified amongst policy makers and scientists. It is noted that these phenomenon are international and no t confined to Africa.