Involving immigrant religious organizations in HIV/AIDS prevention: The role of bonding and bridging social capital

Abstract

Immigrant religious organizations in the United States are uniquely positioned to address critical issues beyond religion because of their moral, social and cultural prominence in community life. Increasingly, religious organizations have taken on a leadership role around health issues such as decreasing HIV/AIDS stigma and misinformation. However, there are barriers for some religious leaders and organizations in adopting new health programs, especially if the issue is seen as controversial. Our study examines how social network structures among religious members influence organizational acceptance of new information or controversial ideas, like HIV/AIDS. Using social network analysis methods on data from 2841 contacts in 20 immigrant Chinese Buddhist temples and Christian churches in New York City, we tested whether an immigrant religious organization’s likelihood of being involved in HIV/AIDS activities was associated with the presence of bonding or bridging social capital. These two forms of social capital have been found to mediate the levels of exposure and openness to new ideas. We found HIV/AIDS-involved religious organizations were more likely to have lower levels of bonding social capital as indicated by members having fewer ties and fewer demographic attributes in common. We also found HIV/AIDS-involved religious organizations were more likely to have higher levels of bridging social capital as indicated by members having significantly more ties to people outside of their organization. Our study highlights the importance of looking beyond religion type and leadership attributes to social network structures among members in order to better explain organization-level receptiveness to HIV/AIDS involvement.

Social capital, neighbourhood characteristics and utilisation of local public health services among domestic migrants in China: a cross-sectional study

“…This finding was consistent with a previous study conducted among immigrants in New York City, which showed that HIV/AIDS prevention behaviours were improved when immigrants had significantly more ties to people outside of their religious organisation. 34 This may be explained by both physical and social environments of the communities. 35 Migrants living in urban communities or with local neighbours may enjoy better access to healthcare, and are also more likely to get information.…”

Social Capital Representation in Structured Peer Education for Prevention of Mother – to – Child Transmission

“…Meanwhile, social linking capital is found from social network between stakeholders in PMTCT either inside or outside Surakarta. The presence of hierarchy and obedience to norm and clear mechanism becomes connector of all stakeholders (Leung et al, 2016). In the presence of social potency and capital, structured PE for PMTCT is more effective, so that HIV/AIDS incidence can be controlled.…”

Attitudes and beliefs of immigrants regarding HIV and AIDS in Mopani district, South Africa

“…South Africa has well-recognised strategies to fight HIV/AIDS epidemic such as community-based HIV awareness programmes and education, campaigns, research on HIV prevention and the introduction of anti-retroviral therapy (Alwafi et al, 2018 ). However, for various ethical and political reasons, it can be difficult for immigrants adjusting to a new society to agree with cultural and religious discrimination (Leung, Chin, & Petrescu-Prahova, 2016 ). The current study findings reveal that immigrants need to be empowered to deal with sociocultural barriers that are firmly entrenched and influence their behaviours, ignorance on sexual health and the need to develop ‘destigmatise HIV’ strategies.…”