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HIV Prevention and Transmission Myths Among Heterosexually Active Adults in Low-Income Areas of South Florida

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Abstract

Misconceptions about HIV transmission and prevention may inhibit individuals’ accurate assessment of their level of risk. We used venue-based sampling to conduct a cross-sectional study of heterosexually active adults (N = 1,221) within areas exhibiting high poverty and HIV/AIDS rates in Miami-Dade and Broward counties in 2007. Two logistic regression analyses identified correlates of holding inaccurate beliefs about HIV transmission and prevention. Belief in incorrect HIV prevention methods (27.2%) and modes of transmission (38.5%) was common. Having at least one incorrect prevention belief was associated with being Hispanic compared to white (non-Hispanic), being depressed, and not knowing one’s HIV status. Having at least one incorrect transmission belief was associated with being younger, heavy alcohol use, being depressed, not having seen a physician in the past 12 months, and not knowing one’s HIV status. Among low-income heterosexuals, HIV prevention and transmission myths are widespread. Debunking them could have HIV prevention value.

Resumen

Los conceptos erróneos acerca de la transmisión y la prevención del VIH pueden impedir que los individuos evalúen su nivel de riesgo de manera precisa. Utilizamos un muestreo basado en sitios para realizar un estudio transversal de adultos heterosexualmente activos (N = 1.221) dentro de áreas que presentan altos índices de pobreza y del VIH/SIDA en los condados de Miami-Dade y Broward en el 2007. En dos análisis de regresión logística se identificaron correlatos de creencias erróneas acerca de la transmisión y la prevención del VIH. Era común que se confiara en métodos de prevención (27.2%) y en modos de transmisión (38.5%) del VIH incorrectos. El hecho de tener al menos una creencia incorrecta sobre la prevención se asoció con los hispanos a diferencia de los blancos (no hispanos), la depresión y no conocer la condición de portador del VIH. El hecho de tener al menos una creencia incorrecta sobre la transmisión se asoció con las personas más jóvenes, el consumo excesivo de alcohol, la depresión, no haber consultado con un médico durante los últimos 12 meses y no conocer la condición de portador del VIH. Entre los heterosexuales de bajos ingresos, existen mitos generalizados sobre la prevención y la transmisión del VIH. Demostrar que estos mitos no son ciertos podría ser valioso para la prevención del VIH.

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Acknowledgments

Funding for this study and analysis was provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under Program Announcement 04017/Cooperative Agreement U62/CCU423598.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Florida Department of Health, Bureau of HIV/AIDS, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #A09, Tallahassee, FL, 32399, USA

    Dano W. Beck, Marlene LaLota, Spencer Lieb & Thomas M. Liberti

  2. University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA

    Lisa R. Metsch, Gabriel A. Cardenas & David W. Forrest

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  1. Dano W. Beck
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  2. Marlene LaLota
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  3. Lisa R. Metsch
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  4. Gabriel A. Cardenas
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  7. Thomas M. Liberti
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Correspondence to Dano W. Beck.

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Beck, D.W., LaLota, M., Metsch, L.R. et al. HIV Prevention and Transmission Myths Among Heterosexually Active Adults in Low-Income Areas of South Florida. AIDS Behav 16, 751–760 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-011-9953-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-011-9953-7

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