Adaptation of the Health Belief Model for the prevention of HIV infection
van Wyk, N.C.; Basson, P.M.
Curationis 17(3): 44-50
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0379-8577 PMID: 7987960 Document Number: 294531
Approximately 25,000 HIV-positive persons had been reported in Sub-Saharan Africa during 1989, which amounts to 16% of the global total of reported HIV cases. 25-50% of all hospital beds were occupied by AIDS patients in Central Africa in 1989. A Health Belief Model has been developed to bring about the necessary behavioral change to avoid AIDS. The model can be divided into three major categories: 1) individual perceptions, 2) modifying factors, and 3) the probability of action. Factors in the spread of HIV include sex, age, geography, interpersonal relationships and sex preferences (homo- and bisexuality), socioeconomic factors, peer pressure, awareness and knowledge about AIDS, and education/prevention. The largest proportion of AIDS cases is in the 20-29 age group. In the Sub-Saharan region 20-30% of all sexually active individuals in the age group of 20-40 years are infected with HIV. In South Africa most AIDS cases are found in the 20-40 year age range. From a geographical point of view, the spread of AIDS is heaviest in central, eastern, and southern Africa. The interrelationship between socioeconomic factors and susceptibility to HIV infection has been proven. Low economic status coupled with helplessness, psychological weakness, social isolation, and low income promote HIV infection. Peer pressure and experimentation among youngsters with high risk behavior are also contributing factors. AIDS awareness and education programs are the only means of prevention of the spreading of AIDS in the absence of drugs against AIDS. School-based education programs could exert an influence on the knowledge level of students and induce behavioral change. AIDS is also a disease of the poor, and 26 out of 35 of the poorest countries in the world are in Africa. Safe sex practices would also diminish the risk of contracting HIV.