Media Use, HIV/AIDS Knowledge, and Sexual Beliefs

As the numbers rise among African Americans who are contracting HIV/AIDS, it becomes evident that research is needed to examine where African Americans obtain HIV/AIDS information. This study identified where African Americans obtain HIV/AIDS information and examined how that information affects African Americans? sexual beliefs about HIV/AIDS. The theoretical foundation for this study was the Health Belief Model (HBM). The data analysis demonstrated that race does influence the type of media an individual uses. However, race does not impact an individual?s access to health information. Knowledge about HIV/AIDS impacts an individual?s sexual beliefs about HIV/AIDS. Cues from the media and physicians impact an individual?s sexual beliefs about HIV/AIDS. Perceived susceptibility impacts an individual?s sexual beliefs about HIV/AIDS. African Americans are more likely to use television to obtain HIV/AIDS information than other races. In addition, African Americans are more likely to use radio to obtain HIV/AIDS information than other races.