This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
PIM Univerzitet , Banja Luka , Bosnia and Herzegovina
Medicinski fakultet, Univerzitet u Banjoj Luci & Univerzitetska bolnica – Klinički centar Banja Luka , Banja Luka , Bosnia and Herzegovina
Numerous international studies indicate a high level of belief in myths and conspiracy theories about HIV/AIDS, especially in relation to its origin and treatments. There are also findings of these beliefs being related to risky sexual behaviors. Moreover, it is useful to study these myths and their correlates in the context of prevention. This study focused on two very common myths that are potentially relevant in our region: 1) “HIV is a man-made virus.” and 2) “There is a cure for HIV, but it is being hidden by pharmaceutical companies.” The research was carried out via an anonymous online survey on a sample of 408 participants predominantly from BiH (67.4% women), with a mean age of 28.58 (SD=6.67) years. 42.9% of participants agreed with the first claim and 46.6% agreed with the second. Women were slightly more likely to believe that the first claim is true (χ2 (1, N=408)=4.60, p=.03, w=.11), while there were no gender differences for the second claim (χ2 (1, N=408)=0.39, p=.53, w=.03). The respondents with high school (f=159), a college/university (f=172), and the MA or a higher degree (f=71) did not differ in belief in either claim: χ 2 (2, N=402)=0.30, p=.86, w=.03 and χ 2 (2, N=402)=1.35, p=.51, w=.06. The belief in both claims did not differ depending on the place of residence size (a small village: f=18, a large village: f=16, a suburb: f=28, a small city: f=148, a large city: f=194): χ 2 (4, N=404)=2.82, p=.59, w=.08 and χ 2 (4, N=404)=7.09, p=.13, w=.13. In conclusion, the two investigated myths in BiH are represented similarly to the international research findings. Also, these beliefs are almost equally prevalent across all levels of the studied sociodemographic variables, which means that a comprehensive and systematic approach is needed in order to reduce these beliefs.
The statements, opinions and data contained in the journal are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publisher and the editor(s). We stay neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
