Intergenerational attitudes to HIV in relation to beliefs, levels of awareness and knowledge of transmission

Abstract

Attitudes to HIV vary greatly. Knowledge and experience of HIV awareness-raising campaigns is thought to both mediate and moderate opinions and beliefs. The purpose of the study was to examine modern-day attitudes to HIV among five generations. Self-reported levels of HIV awareness, attitudes, beliefs and knowledge were explored in relation to age. Additional independent variables of gender, sexual orientation and levels of education were also investigated. A sample of 115 participants with an average age of 38 years (77 female and 38 male) engaged in a survey-based study in which participants completed an HIV questionnaire. Correlations with positive attitudes to HIV were found among older age groups and those with higher levels of self-reported HIV awareness. Exploration of the relationship between age and attitudes to HIV were supported by the body of literature concerning HIV awareness and integrated health promotion campaigns were recommended if attitudes to HIV are to become increasingly positive among future generations.