Factors Associated with Belief in Conspiracies about HIV/AIDS among HIV-Positive African-American Patients

Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine factors associated with belief in conspiracies about HIV/AIDS among HIV-Positive African American patients. Survey data were collected from 256 African American patients living with HIV/AIDS attending two HIV clinics in Montgomery and Dothan, Alabama. The study used multiple regression analysis to examine how sociodemographic factors contribute to belief in conspiracies about HIV/AIDS. Education and age were significantly related to belief in conspiracies about HIV/AIDS among men and women. Beliefs in conspiracies about HIV/AIDS may be a barrier to HIV prevention among African Americans. Public health officials should work toward obtaining the trust of African Americans by addressing the existing discrimination within the health care system and acknowledging the existence of HIV/AIDS conspiracy beliefs. Conspiracies about HIV/AIDS may be a manifestation to African Americans’ mistrust of the U.S. government and the health system. Keywords: HIV/AIDS, African Americans, Conspiracy Belief