Prof: Behavior may stall AIDS epidemic

Many people may doubt whether scientists will ever find a cure for AIDS, but Martin Fishbein tends to think that a solution is well within our grasp. According to Fishbein, a Communications professor, the eradication of the AIDS epidemic may lie not in a "miracle drug," but in changes in societal behavior. In his lecture Thursday on "Behavioral Sciences and AIDS Prevention," Fishbein said that the key to preventing the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases is protecting oneself. "Any given behavior is most likely to occur if one has a strong intention for it, has the required skills and if there are no environmental constraints," Fishbein said. He added that a person's behavior depends on attitude, societal norms and self-efficacy -- or a personal assessment of one's own skills. To cause a change in individual behavior we must first determine which of those three factors control behavior, Fishbein argued. Hence, behavior is specific to one's society, and not dependent upon gender, status or culture. Fishbein pointed out a study by a group called AIDS Community Demonstration Project, which exposed intravenous drug users, their partners, prostitutes and street youth to condom use by handing out pamphlets and flyers with stories of positive role models in the community. These test communities showed a significant rise in condom use and awareness as compared to control communities where no such measures were taken. The project, Fishbein said, was the first of its kind to show that behavioral changes are both possible and effective. Fishbein also spoke about studies that show that the relationship between condom use and STD transmission is unrelated. People who claim to never use condoms during sexual intercourse were found to have lower incidences of STDs than those who always used condoms.The reasoning behind this is that consistent condom users are more likely to be in high-risk situations, he said. "People who never use condoms are people who perceive they are safe," Fishbein explained. "Not just consistent condom use, but correct condom use, is necessary." Over 70 percent of consistent condom users in the study committed errors, the most common of which were starting or finishing sex without a condom. In conclusion, Fishbein stated, "There is no simple relationship between behavior changes and STD prevention? [but] I think we have made enormous steps in really figuring out intervention methods." Several audience members, while finding Fishbein's talk worthwhile, said they were a bit skeptical about his thoughts on behavior. According to College senior Joanne DeLeon, Fishbein's theory "had validity but there are cultural and racial influences that must be investigated." And Loren Wipff, a student in the Nursing and Midwifery program, said, "The theory is comprehensive but I'm not going to say that it's waterproof."