Understanding fatalism in HIV/AIDS protection: the individual in dialogue with contextual factors

Abstract

Many people remain at risk of becoming HIV-infected despite large-scale prevention efforts. An exploratory study was conducted to investigate the determinants of a fatalistic attitude towards protecting the self from HIV/AIDS. The study utilised the Human Sciences Research Council's national, representative EPOP-survey among South African adults age 18 and over (n = 2 494). Frequencies were calculated for all the items, and scales were compiled for perceived hopelessness, self-efficacy to effect change and future goals. Chi-square analysis was conducted between indicators of fatalism and demographic variables. A sequential logistic regression analysis was applied to the variables: feelings of hopelessness, self-efficacy, future goals and socio-demographics, as possible determinants of a fatalistic view about protecting one's self from HIV/AIDS.