The Health Belief Model and AIDS-Preventive Behavior in a Ghana Student Population

Abstract

The AIDS pandemic in Africa has led to efforts aimed at changing human behavior that lead to infection. Various models exist that have potential for explaining. AIDS-preventive behavior. The Health Belief Model (HBM), which has been tested in the U.S., is used to examine such behavior in a sample of students in Ghana. Findings from the study indicate gender differences in terms of AIDS-preventive behavior and self-efficacy associated with it. These findings suggest a need for gender-specific messages and indicate that messages aimed at women should instill the belief that they have the power to engage in AIDS-preventive behavior. The relatively low levels of AIDS knowledge among the sample also points to the need for better focused AIDS communication campaigns.