Exploring conspiracy beliefs among African American men and women who are HIV positive

The African American community is disproportionately affected by the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). A pooled literature review was conducted to answer two key questions: (a) Are conspiracy theories the reason why antiretroviral therapy is stopped and/or started early in the course of the disease to benefit? (b) How do these conspiracy theories or beliefs impact HIV prevention for uninfected individuals and/or partners? Statistical calculations included compiling 2 x 2 contingency tables of studies grouped with the same independent and dependent variables. Odds with a 95% confidence interval and Chi-square distribution were utilized to test the hypothesis that there is no relationship between conspiracy beliefs and an individual's decision to use HAART and/or condoms. Findings supported the concept that HIV positive African American individuals believed in conspiracy theories and it impacted upon their care. Therefore, it is critical for healthcare professionals and public health educators to address the cultural differences, beliefs, and opinions of populations affected by and infected with HIV. The HIV/AIDS healthcare crisis within the African American community increases the response needed to foster social change that would help ensure development of the best treatment plans and prevention education programs, and prevent further spread of HIV/AIDS.