RISK PERCEPTION AND BELIEFS REGARDING HIV INFECTION AMONG ETHIOPIAN IMMIGRANTS.

The article presents a study which highlights the importance of evaluating beliefs on HIV infection, prevention and risk perception in the Ethiopian immigrant population in San Diego, California. The study was conducted among Ethiopians over the age of 18. The results show that even well educated individuals hold basic misconceptions about HIV transmission therefore, there is a need for focused HIV education programs in the community. It states that although most participants viewed HIV as a fatal disease, nearly one third of them assumed that HIV was curable. In addition, the results have provided information on specific areas justifying further investigation.