title: HIV prevention and transmission myths among heterosexually active adults in low-income areas of South Florida.
abstract: Misconceptions about HIV transmission and prevention may inhibit individuals' accurate assessment of their level of risk. We used venue-based sampling to conduct a cross-sectional study of heterosexually active adults (N = 1,221) within areas exhibiting high poverty and HIV/AIDS rates in Miami-Dade and Broward counties in 2007. Two logistic regression analyses identified correlates of holding inaccurate beliefs about HIV transmission and prevention. Belief in incorrect HIV prevention methods (27.2%) and modes of transmission (38.5%) was common. Having at least one incorrect prevention belief was associated with being Hispanic compared to white (non-Hispanic), being depressed, and not knowing one's HIV status. Having at least one incorrect transmission belief was associated with being younger, heavy alcohol use, being depressed, not having seen a physician in the past 12 months, and not knowing one's HIV status. Among low-income heterosexuals, HIV prevention and transmission myths are widespread. Debunking them could have HIV prevention value.
authors.affiliation: Florida Department of Health, Bureau of HIV/AIDS, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #A09, Tallahassee, FL 32399, USA. DanoBeck@gmail.com
authors.forename: Dano W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Beck
authors.forename: Marlene
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lalota
authors.forename: Lisa R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Metsch
authors.forename: Gabriel A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Cardenas
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Forrest
authors.forename: Spencer
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lieb
authors.forename: Thomas M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Liberti
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D040343:Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology / Q000635:transmission*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D020010:Heterosexuality; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011203:Poverty; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult