Accurate and inaccurate HIV transmission beliefs, stigmatizing and HIV protection motivation in northern Thailand

Bibliographic Data

ID19442634
AuthorsHarry Boer (0000-0002-0796-8327, University of Twente, corresponding author), Pascale A A Emons (University of Twente)
Year2004
Volume16
Issue2
Pages167-176
Publication date2004-02-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueAIDS Care (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0954-0121 • E-ISSN: 1360-0451
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09540120410001641011
PMID14676023
OpenAlexW2036785833
LanguageEN
Citations received32
References cited20

We assessed the relation between accurate beliefs about HIV transmission and inaccurate beliefs about HIV transmission and emotional reactions to people with AIDS (PWA) and AIDS risk groups, stigmatizing attitudes and motivation to protect from HIV. In Chiang Rai, northern Thailand, 219 respondents filled in a structured questionnaire assessing accurate and inaccurate HIV transmission beliefs, emotional reactions towards PWA and AIDS risk groups, stigmatizing attitudes and motivation to protect from HIV according to variables from Protection Motivation Theory. Complete accurate beliefs about documented modes of HIV transmission were present in 47% of the respondents, while 26% of the respondents held one or more inaccurate beliefs about HIV transmission. Incomplete beliefs about documented modes of transmission were significantly related to stigmatizing beliefs towards people with AIDS (PWA), to lower vulnerability of HIV infection and lower self-efficacy in protection. Those who held inaccurate beliefs about HIV transmission reported more fear towards PWA and homosexuals and more irritation towards PWA and commercial sex workers. Persons who held inaccurate beliefs about HIV transmission also reported more stigmatizing attitudes, perceived AIDS as less severe, perceived a lower vulnerability and were less motivated to use condoms. Results of this study suggest that inaccurate beliefs about HIV transmission are related to fear and stigmatizing and undermine HIV prevention behaviour

Family medicine · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Clinical Psychology · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Psychology · Sex work and related issues · Social Psychology