Stereotypes of representations about HIV, contributing to the epidemic growth

Abstract

The aim of the study was to explore the common misconceptions about HIV as a determinant of the HIV epidemic growth and as a factor affecting disease outcomes.Materials and methods. The study involved 136 persons (50 persons with blood-borne infection route, 50 persons with heterosexual transmission, 36 persons without HIV). As research methods a special clinical map was used, as well as an author’s questionnaire, which allows to register the characteristics of risky behavior in relation to infection and the characteristics of the life situation of the disease. Statistical data processing included the definition of primary statistics, the Fisher criterion, ANOVA.Study results. A frequent occurrence of distorted representations about HIV was noted in all groups. It has been established that people living with HIV and healthy respondents do not differ in the frequency of HIV testing. The features of the life situation of the disease related to the method of the disease transmission were revealed in the study. It has been established that people living with HIV with different infection route differ in the frequency of late HIV diagnosis, the presence of AIDS, refusal of treatment. The results determine the need to increase public awareness of the disease and correct distorted representations about it.