Preventive attitudes towards the threat of AIDS: Process and determinants in rural Senegal

This report is intended to identify the determinants of preventive attitude s and thereby enable the further elaboration of effective prevention progra ms in a country where the HIV epidemic has remained controlled. Across-sectional survey using a standardized questionnaire was conducted am ong a sample of 866 adults of the general population of the rural area of N iakhar, Senegal. The analysis identified psychosocial determinants related to preventive attitudes and the influence of sociodemographic characteristi cs and of sources of AIDS information on these determinants. Psychosocial determinants of preventive attitudes differed according to gen der: Among men, personal risk perception was associated with preventive att itudes. Among women, level of AIDS-related knowledge, communication about A IDS, and optimism about the future were associated with preventive attitude s. Sociodemographic factors and sources of information were similar for men and women: Preventive attitudes were adopted primarily by young, educated subjects who had been exposed to urban life. Religion appeared to be a majo r obstacle to preventive attitudes. Preventive messages broadcast on radio or television may be determinative. Our results call for a strengthened col laboration with religious leaders and a focus on risk perception to rationa lize preventive actions. We also encourage the targeting of vulnerable popu lations, such as women in rural areas, by developing preventive messages to be delivered through national media (radio, television) and by staff from health centers, which most women visit, at least for prenatal care.