The Health Belief Model and AIDS-Preventive Behavior in a Ghana Student Population: An Exploratory Investigation

Abstract The AIDS pandemic in Africa has led to efforts aimed at changing human behavior that lead to infection. Various models exist that have potential for explaining. AIDS-preventive behavior. The Health Belief Model (HBM), which has been tested in the U.S., is used to examine such behavior in a sample of students in Ghana. Findings from the study indicate gender differences in terms of AIDS-preventive behavior and self-efficacy associated with it. These findings suggest a need for gender-specific messages and indicate that messages aimed at women should instill the belief that they have the power to engage in AIDS-preventive behavior. The relatively low levels of AIDS knowledge among the sample also points to the need for better focused AIDS communication campaigns.