Predictors of HIV/AIDS Programming in African American Churches: Implications for HIV Prevention, Testing, and Care

Abstract

Using data from the National Congregational Study, we examined predictors of having a HIV/AIDS program in predominately African American churches across the United States. We conducted regression analyses of Wave II data (N = 1,506) isolating the sample to churches with a predominately African American membership. The dependent variable asked whether or not the congregation currently had any program focused on HIV or AIDS. Independent variables included several variables from the individual, organizational, and social levels. Our study revealed that region, clergy age, congregant disclosure of HIV-positive status, permitting cohabiting couples to be members, sponsorship or participation in programs targeted to physical health issues and having a designated person or committee to address health-focused programs significantly increased the likelihood of African American churches having a HIV/AIDS program. A paucity of nationally representative research focuses on the social, organizational and individual level predictors of having HIV/AIDS programs in African American churches. Determining the characteristics of churches with HIV/AIDS programming at multiple levels is a critical and necessary approach with significant implications for partnering with African American churches in HIV initiatives.

Exploring a faith-based approach to puberty education in Tanzania

“…Time emerged as universal barriers for leaders. Demands on leaders' time has been recognized in studies examining the barriers to faith-based health interventions to address HIV (33,(35)(36)(37), even among leaders who perceived the intervention favorably (35,36). Furthermore, institutional resources and institutional hierarchy were often discussed by leaders as a barrier to engagement.…”