Lay health beliefs concerning HIV and AIDS--a barrier for control programmes

Work in AIDS control in East Africa revealed widespread lay health beliefs concerning HIV infection and AIDS amongst health workers and members of the general population at both lower and higher risk of infection. 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 powerful, persistent and resistant to conventional educational methods. Their prevalence and type changed with time in different groups. A model of how the beliefs came to be generated is proposed and reasons suggested for their persistence and strength. A current programme for countering 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 not confined to Africa.