Role of religion on HIV testing practices among African American men in the south

In Mississippi, African American men account for 52% of all reported HIV cases. Factors such as religion contribute to HIV risk behaviors among African American men. However, the role that religion plays in HIV testing is unexplored in Mississippi. A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted with 46 African American Men residing in Jackson, MS. A self-assessment was used to gauge Family Religious Emphasis (FRE), current membership and frequent attendance at a local faith-based organization (FBO), religious affiliation, and HIV testing history. Chi-squared tests and Logistic Regression were used to measure an association between the aforementioned factors. Forty-three percent of the participants reported current membership at a local FBO, and 60% reported a Baptist affiliation. Twenty-four percent of the participants reported attending service a few times a year. Scores for FRE ranged from 8-21 (mean=15.34), and 78% reported having been tested for HIV in the past 6 months. While there was no relationship between current membership, frequency of attendance, and religious affiliation with HIV testing in the past 6 months (p>.05), there was an association between FRE and HIV Testing (p= 0.017). Eighteen percent of the variation in HIV testing was explained by FRE, and participants with higher scores of FRE were 1.5 times more likely to be tested for HIV within 6 months (p= 0.018). Family emphasis on religion seems to serve as a protective factor for encouraging HIV testing. Given the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, using family and religion may be helpful in increasing testing and treatment efforts.