Abstract
Background
Risk perception has been found to be a crucial factor explaining inconsistent or non-use of
HIV prevention interventions. Considerations of risk need to expand beyond risk of infection
to also include the personal, social, emotional, and economic risks associated with prevention
intervention use.
Objectives
This systematic review of qualitative peer-reviewed literature from sub-Saharan Africa
examines perceptions of risk associated with HIV infection and HIV prevention intervention
use.
Data sources
We searched Medline, Embase, PsychInfo, Africa Wide Info, CINAHL, and Global Health
for publications and screened them for relevance.
Study eligibility criteria
Peer-reviewed qualitative studies published since 2003 were eligible for inclusion if they
examined risk perception or uncertainty in the context of a medically regulated intervention.
Only studies focusing on adults were included...