Informing Faith-Based HIV/AIDS Interventions: HIV-Related Knowledge and Stigmatizing Attitudes at Project F.A.I.T.H. Churches in South Carolina

Abstract

To effectively address HIV-related stigma at African American churches, educational programs must reinforce the ways in which HIV can and cannot be transmitted, and pay particular attention to educating males and older populations. These findings may be helpful to HIV-prevention efforts targeting African American faith-based organizations in South Carolina and elsewhere.

Reductions in HIV Stigma as Measured by Social Distance: Impact of a Stigma Reduction Campaign in a Historically Black University

“…Females had a higher level of knowledge regarding HIV and felt more sympathetic towards people who are HIV positive. Both of these findings are congruent with previous research findings (Lindley, Coleman, Gaddist, White, 2010;Chng, Carlon, Toynes, 2006;Handler, Lampman, Levy, Weeks, 1994). The male students seemed to have a similar level of knowledge to the female students regarding well-known ways to of spreading HIV like unprotected vaginal and anal sex.…”

“…Research also indicates that among college students who have more favorable attitudes towards those with HIV, there is a positive correlation with knowledge of HIV transmission and having a lower fear of being infected by HIV (Thompson, Geher, Stevens, Stem & Lintz, 2001;Handler, Lampman, Levy, & Weeks, 1994). Females tend to have a greater knowledge about HIV transmission and to be more tolerant of those with HIV compared to males (Lindley, Coleman, Gaddist, & White, 2010;Chng, Carlon, & Toynes, 2006;Handler, Lampman, Levy, & Weeks, 1994). Although overall adolescents and college students seem to have high levels of accurate knowledge of transmission, there are still apparent gaps in knowledge and common misconceptions (Inungu, Mumford, Younis & Langford, 2009).…”

“She Told Them, Oh That Bitch Got AIDS”: Experiences of Multilevel HIV/AIDS-Related Stigma Among African American Women Living with HIV/AIDS in the South

“…37 More recently, churches have served as important centers for health promotion interventions. 38,39 Although faith-based interventions for HIV prevention and education have been shown to be feasible and effective in African American churches, 33,40 existing HIV/AIDS stigma has been reported as a barrier to HIV program implementation. 41 Coleman et al argue that pastors and church leaders can play a crucial role in mediating the church environment in a way that promotes empathy and acceptance of HIV.…”

Guest Editorial

“…9,10 Realizing that racial and ethnic disparities in HIV transmission have not been elucidated, 11 and that race and ethnicity alone are not risk factors, CDC and other members of the research community have begun to examine complex factors influencing transmission. 15 Findings from this study offer insight into the relationship between knowledge and stigma in predominantly African American churches in the South.…”