Health beliefs about HIV/aids among South African and American millennials
Abstract
[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] One of the most drastic health issues that impacts the country of South Africa is the HIV/AIDS pandemic. As a country, 1 in 10 individuals are infected with the disease. This virus leads to broken families, orphans, and children born with the disease. A governmental shift is apparent, as well, and programs to help with the education and prevention of HIV/AIDS are being funded by the President and the Health Minister of South Africa. This paper examines the literature surrounding health news and community-based education campaigns in South Africa. The study draws from Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) and fear appeals in these campaigns and focuses on the Health Belief Model. A survey was given to explore the views of college-aged students from a university in South Africa compared to college-aged students from a larger Midwestern university in the United States. As this age group makes up the next generation of leaders, understanding their views on HIV/AIDS is important in continued work towards an AIDS free generation. The survey examined their beliefs of sexual health, fear appeals, and the use of media appeals versus community education-based programing in health campaigns. To gain a frame of reference, a cross comparison was also completed between the views South African students held with those of American students.
Degree
M.A.
Thesis Department
Rights
Access is limited to the campuses of the University of Missouri.