HIV-related stigma in faith-based settings

Background: As HIV prevention strategies focus to a greater degree on structural approaches to prevention, a deeper understanding of the distal determinants of attitudes toward HIV/AIDS must be further explored. Previous studies have found that HIV-related stigma is higher in specific populations, particularly African Americans. Further, faith-based HIV prevention interventions designed for faith-based organizations (FBOs) have shown promise as a way to address HIV-related stigma and negative attitudes.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 2,184 congregants from African American FBOs to examine correlates of HIV-related stigma and attitudes in 2009. The survey instrument included demographic variables, measures of religiosity, and measures of HIV-related attitudes as indicators of HIV-related stigma. ANOVA tests with post hoc tests were conducted to determine differences in HIV-related stigma among groups.

Results: Significant differences were found in HIV-related attitudes between sex and among marital status, age, education level, and religiosity. Variable comparisons showed interaction within groups, and further indicated that married couples, individuals aged 26-44, and individuals with higher levels of educational attainment had the most favorable HIV-related attitudes. Least favorable attitudes were expressed by participants aged 18-25 and 65+ and among those with less than a 12th grade education.

Conclusions: This study contributes to the greater scientific body of knowledge by identifying specific sub-populations with which to focus community-based HIV stigma reduction efforts. The reduction of HIV-related stigma may have tangible outcomes including increased HIV testing, greater acceptance of persons living with HIV/AIDS, and further opportunities for community-based HIV prevention programs.