Perceived HIV/AIDS Prevalence, Burden, and Risk, Cape Town, South Africa

Objectives: To examine perceived HIV prevalence and disease burden in high-risk adults in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods: A convenience sample of 793 male and 188 female sexually transmitted infection clinic patients completed anonymous surveys. Results: Individuals who saw themselves at greater risk for HIV/AIDS also perceived greater local HIV prevalence. Participants presented extremely distorted views of local HIV prevalence that exceed the reality in Cape Town. Perceiving greater local AIDS burden was independently associated with condom use. Conclusions: Interventions that accurately place local AIDS burden in the context of places with relatively lower burden may activate protective motivations.