Early public health messages, such as the Grim Reaper campaign, in response to the development of AIDS and HIV were ineffective (Rigby, Brown, et al. 1989). Why was this so?
A) They decreased AIDS-related anxiety
B) They provided information about the disease
C) They provided information about appropriate behaviour change
D) They heightened AIDS-related anxiety

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Grim Reaper campaign and similar early public health messages were criticized for being ineffective because they heightened AIDS-related anxiety rather than providing practical information on how to prevent the disease or manage risk. This approach often led to fear and stigma rather than informed action.

Early Public Health Messages, Such as the Grim Reaper Campaign