Main Article Content
AIDS/HIV: low prevalence, moderate knowledge and liberal attitudes— a study of youths in Mauritius
Abstract
This exploratory study examines the HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes and perception
of personal risk of 160 youths in Mauritius. Data was gathered with the help of a structured
interview schedule. Results indicate that more than half of the sample had moderate knowledge of AIDS and liberal attitudes toward people with AIDS. However, the relationship between knowledge and attitudes was not significant, indicating that being knowledgeable about AIDS does not necessarily lead to positive attitudes. The majority of the students perceived themselves at risk of acquiring AIDS. Accurate knowledge of AIDS significantly related to perceptions of risk, indicating that those who had moderate knowledge of the disease were more concerned about contracting the disease.
Keywords: perceived susceptibility, self risk
Journal of Psychology in Africa 2005, 15(1): 25–30
of personal risk of 160 youths in Mauritius. Data was gathered with the help of a structured
interview schedule. Results indicate that more than half of the sample had moderate knowledge of AIDS and liberal attitudes toward people with AIDS. However, the relationship between knowledge and attitudes was not significant, indicating that being knowledgeable about AIDS does not necessarily lead to positive attitudes. The majority of the students perceived themselves at risk of acquiring AIDS. Accurate knowledge of AIDS significantly related to perceptions of risk, indicating that those who had moderate knowledge of the disease were more concerned about contracting the disease.
Keywords: perceived susceptibility, self risk
Journal of Psychology in Africa 2005, 15(1): 25–30
