An Intervention to Reduce HIV-Related Stigma in Partnership With African American and Latino Churches

Abstract

HIV-related stigma negatively affects prevention and care, and community-based interventions are needed. Here we describe the development of a multi-ethnic, faith-based intervention to reduce HIV stigma that included: educational workshops on HIV, testing, and stigma; peer leader workshops using role plays and drawing on principles of motivational interviewing; a pastor-delivered sermon on HIV that incorporated theological reflection and an imagined contact scenario; and congregation-based HIV testing events. Lessons learned include: partnership development is essential and requires substantial investment; tailoring intervention components to single race-ethnic groups may not be preferable in diverse community settings; and adapting testing processes to be able to serve larger numbers of people in shorter time frames is needed for congregational settings. This development process successfully combined the rigorous application of social science theory and community engagement to yield a multifaceted HIV stigma reduction intervention appropriate for Protestant and Catholic churches in African American and Latino communities.

Correlates of HIV Testing among African American and Latino Church Congregants: The Role of HIV Stigmatizing Attitudes and Discussions about HIV

“…Thus, use of a popular opinion leader approach-perhaps by reaching congregants through formal and informal church leaders-may be promising, especially if messages designed to change norms around HIV testing are combined with greater availability of testing in the community or at the church. 48,64 Although the present study included a relatively large proportion of congregants across churches as compared to other studies, our research also had some limitations, including the use of a select, non-random sample of churches and congregants. Although the limited set of churches we were able to include in this pilot study was drawn from a broader pool of churches, several churches did not respond to requests for screening or refused to participate, potentially because of lower acceptance of HIV-related activities.…”

“…48 Churches were recruited for the study from Long Beach, CA and surrounding areas. Long Beach has a cumulative incidence rate of 1359 AIDS cases per 100,000 residents (from 1981 through December 31, 2012).…”

Social Determinants of HIV-Related Stigma in Faith-Based Organizations

“…13,22,23 Direct and indirect contact with people living with HIV prompts people to focus on the infected individual's perspective, thus promoting empathy. 24 Institutionally supported contact, particularly between individuals of equal status, is the most effective type of contact. 25 African American churches have traditionally served as centers for spiritual growth and development, political and civic activity, and health promotion and disease prevention.…”

“…36 HIV-related stigma has been identified as a salient barrier to HIV/AIDS ministries and programs in African American faith-based organizations (FBOs) and the reduction thereof as an area of emphasis in faith-based HIV/AIDS programs. 4,19,24,[36][37][38][39][40] Furthermore, the National HIV/AIDS Strategy calls for increased integration of faith-based initiatives in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States. 41 The aims of this study were to examine how religiosity, contact with people living with HIV/AIDS, and demographic characteristics were associated with stigmatizing attitudes related to HIV/AIDS.…”

Understanding the Irony: Canadian Gay Men Living with HIV/AIDS, Their Catholic Devotion, and Greater Well-being

“…In an interview in 2010, Pope Benedict XVI made statements to the media regarding the acceptable use of condoms to prevent the spread of HIV, creating a surprising break in the Vatican's blanket ban on the use of contraceptives (Kington and Quinn 2010). In the last 5 years, the Catholic Church has promoted the implementation of HIV stigma reduction interventions specifically tailored to different ethnic communities in North and South America, and Africa (Derose et al 2014;Murray et al 2011). …”