Abstract
The first decade of the AIDS epidemic was mainly characterized by the dissemination of information, without taking the needs of different target groups into consideration. The objective of this study was to examine the knowledge, myths, causaI attributions, attitudes, susceptibility, sexual behaviour, sexual behavioural change and obstacles preventing behavioural change in a multi-cultural, heterosexual context. Possible cultural differences were established and recommendations made for AIDS education programs. A survey was conducted and data collected through questionnaires obtained from 1494 subjects. Although marked cultural differences were evident, the results indicated that all AIDS prevention programs should contain certain basic components, which should be modified to suit the needs of specific target groups. The purpose of AIDS education programs should be to give practical advice about AIDS; to dispel myths about the spread of HIV; to correct faulty attributions about the causes of AIDS; to change attitudes and to establish a sense of compassion for infected people; to alleviate anxiety and to establish a realistic sense of susceptibility, to motivate people to change their sexual behaviour, and to determine and rectify the obstacles preventing people from changing their sexual behaviour.Copyright information
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