The perception of AIDS in the Bété and Baoulé of the Ivory Coast

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the socio-cultural aspects of transmissible diseases, in particular AIDS perceptions, among the two major Ivorian ethnic groups, the Bété and Baoulé, in order to implement more suitable educational programmes. The methods used consist o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Social science & medicine (1982) 1993-05, Vol.36 (9), p.1229-1235
Main Authors: Caprara, Andrea, Seri, Dedy, De Gregorio, Giulio C., Parenzi, Alessandro, Salazar, Carlos M., Gozé, Tapé
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - ethnology
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - psychology
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - transmission
Adolescent
Adult
AIDS
AIDS/HIV
Attitude to Health
Attitudes
Cote d'Ivoire
Disease
Ethnic Groups
Ethnic Groups - psychology
Female
Health Education
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Ivory Coast
Life Style
Male
Middle Aged
Minority & ethnic groups
Perceptions
Rural Population
Social Perception
Social research
Sociocultural aspects
Sociocultural Factors
Socioeconomic Factors
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Summary:The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the socio-cultural aspects of transmissible diseases, in particular AIDS perceptions, among the two major Ivorian ethnic groups, the Bété and Baoulé, in order to implement more suitable educational programmes. The methods used consist of structured interviews to obtain quantitative findings on knowledge and practices, and ‘focus groups’ and semi-structured interviews with key-informants for the collection of qualitative data. Interpretations according to traditional ways of thinking are widespread among both the Bété and Baoulé. Urinating where an AIDS patient has urinated and sorcery attacks are considered possible ways of transmitting AIDS according to traditional categories of pure-impure and supernatural powers intervention. Educational level is the factor which most influences a person's knowledge of AIDS and prevention methods through western categories. Education as well as a better knowledge of the disease appear to be associated with an attitude that favours isolating the patient. The content of health education messages on AIDS, in the rural environment, cannot be separated from the Bétés or Baoulés conceptions of transmissible diseases.
ISSN:0277-9536
1873-5347
DOI:10.1016/0277-9536(93)90242-V