The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

5038.0: Wednesday, November 19, 2003 - Board 9

Abstract #54221

Relationship of HIV conspiracy beliefs to HIV risk behaviors and intentions among African Americans

Laura M. Bogart, PhD, RAND Health, RAND Corportation, 1700 Main Street P.O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138, 310-393-0411 x7109, lbogart@rand.org and Sheryl Thorburn Bird, PhD, MPH, Department of Public Health, Oregon State University, 264 Waldo Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331-6406.

Prior research shows that a substantial number of African Americans hold conspiracy beliefs about HIV, such as the belief that HIV is a form of Black genocide. Although researchers have speculated that such beliefs may be barriers to HIV prevention efforts, no research to date has examined this hypothesis. We are currently conducting a telephone survey of a national random sample of 500+ African Americans, aged 15-44. Participants are asked about conspiracy beliefs and sexual behaviors and intentions. Preliminary results for the first 373 respondents indicate that many endorsed the beliefs, which were averaged to form a scale (14 beliefs; alpha = .84). For example, almost half agreed that, "People who take the new medicines for HIV are human guinea pigs for the government." Endorsing conspiracy beliefs was associated with having a greater number of sexual partners in lifetime (r = .12, p < .05). In addition, men with stronger conspiracy beliefs were less likely to intend to use condoms at next intercourse (r = -.24, p < .01) and to report always using condoms in the past three months (r = -.27, p < .01); these associations were not significant for women. Thus, individuals who hold strong conspiracy beliefs may be less open to HIV prevention and may practice riskier behaviors as a result.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: African American, HIV Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Special Topics: Poster Session

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA