ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to shed light on the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs Russian and Commonwealth of Independent States-region college students possess about HIV/AIDS and their sources for health information. This qualitative study used two data-collection methods for the purposes of triangulation. These data collection methods included focus groups and in-depth interviews. A total of two gender-specific focus groups and seven in-depth interviews were completed. Research questions for this study probed the specific knowledge students possessed on the causes of HIV/AIDS, transmission routes, symptoms and prevention of infection. Questions also investigated student attitudes toward HIV/AIDS-infected individuals, beliefs about their own risk of infection and preferred sources for HIV/AIDS information in the media. Discussions with participants revealed that Russian and CIS college students possess general knowledge of the disease and prevention methods. However, their perceptions of personal risk are low. Many students still associate the disease with foreigners and marginalized groups such as drug addicts, prostitutes and homosexuals. Consequently, many describe themselves as distant from these groups and therefore protected from infection. Mass media was one source of information used by college students from Russia and CIS nations. However, concerns regarding the credibility of media led many to depend on multiple media channels for information. Other information sources included peers, family and health professionals.

The AIDS epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa continues to affect all facets of life throughout the subcontinent. Deaths related to AIDS have driven down the life expectancy rate of residents in Zambia, Kenya, and Uganda with far-reaching implications. This book details the current state of the AIDS epidemic in Africa and what is known about the behaviors that contribute to the transmission of the HIV infection. It lays out what research is needed and what is necessary to design more effective prevention programs.

The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, behaviours and sources of Hiv/Aids information among university students at two tertiary institutions in South Africa.