Misconceptions

Even though the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has a significantly higher occurrence in the United States, there is substantial variation in awareness and misconceptions of the disease and how some members treat people living with the disease of the African-American community. Although disparities in therapeutic availability are well-documented, misconceptions and a lack of awareness further exacerbate the situation (Diabate, 2020).

According to research, the native community believing in alternative remedies conflicts with sticking to standard medical therapies. The community pressure and treatment misunderstanding or misconceptions are two factors that cause the infected people to drop out of antiretroviral (ARV) treatments.

Some African communities in the United States maintain strong faith in the healing effects of holy water used orally or physically in a spiritual context. In addition, according to studies, certain African-American groups believe that holy water can heal HIV and other disorders. However, a comprehensive examination of alternative HIV treatment and the personal tension created by choosing between holy water and medication and the alienation generated by communal pressure is still needed (Andrew et al.,2020).

The widespread perception that a person's faith determines whether or not holy oil or water will cure their illness places the entire burden of proof on the diseased person. As a result, failure to be free of the disease indicates one's faith strength or weakness, producing an atmosphere of blame directed at those who are ill. Nevertheless, HIV-positive individuals are frequently urged by the community to lean only on prayer and holy water and are subjected to prejudice and sanctions if they openly take medication, which is wrong, and an invalid misconception.