Acceptance of zidovudine (AZT) in early HIV disease: the role of health beliefs.

The object of this paper is to explore the health beliefs associated with taking AZT in asymptomatic HIV seropositive individuals. Twenty-eight asymptomatic gay men receiving out-patient care completed self-report questionnaires. Information was gathered on demography, general state of health, health locus of control and health beliefs about AZT therapy. Analyses revealed that 'acceptors' and 'decliners' of early (controversial) medical intervention in HIV disease hold distinctly different beliefs regarding their own health and its relation to treatment. An awareness of the fact that a patient's view of themselves is likely to accord with any action or treatment decision they may have taken, could help to promote a better understanding of why treatment behaviours may or may not appear to be in harmony with the doctors own views and any current medical advice being offered.