AFRO-NETS> Misconceptions, Folk Belief, Denial Hinder Risk Perception among Young Zambian Men

[Karrie Carnes <Patemp@psi.org>]

Misconceptions, Folk Belief, Denial Hinder Risk Perception among Young Zambian Men
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A research brief by Population Services International reveals that 
misconceptions, folk beliefs and denial are responsible for young 
Zambian men's low personal risk perception for sexually-transmitted 
infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS. Survey results show that misinforma-
tion is spread through gossip and hearsay, and that young men fear 
retribution or are too shy to ask for clarification from friends or 
family. 
 
Folk-belief explanations for transmission included attributing infec-
tion to sorcery or to the strength of a person's blood. Many respon-
dents cited promiscuous-looking females as the most frequent trans-
mitter of STIs/HIV and therefore avoid such women as a precautionary 
method. Most did not realize that all sexually-active people are at 
risk for HIV/AIDS. 
 
The research brief and corresponding working paper offer suggestions 
for programs working in communities where folk beliefs may conflict 
with fact. For more information, visit:
http://www.psi.org/resources/pubs/rb3.pdf
 
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Karrie Carnes
Population Services International (PSI)
mailto:Patemp@psi.org

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