Exploring HIV Risk and Ex-Offender Status Among African American Church Populations: Considerations for Faith-Based Settings.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1-2017

Identifier

DOI: 10.1177/1078345817700615

Abstract

Studies with the general population indicate that involvement in the correctional system is strongly associated with the risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. However, limited studies have examined ex-offender status and HIV risk among African Americans-a population disproportionately impacted by incarceration and HIV-and even fewer have examined these risks among African American church-affiliated populations. This study examined ex-offender status, HIV risks, and perceptions of church involvement in HIV prevention strategies among 484 participants affiliated with African American churches. Findings indicate ex-offender participants were more likely to have been tested for HIV and believed the church should be involved in HIV prevention strategies. Future research, practice, and recommendations on the design of culturally and religiously tailored interventions for ex-offender HIV prevention, screening, and linkage to care in African American church settings are discussed.

Journal Title

J Correct Health Care

Volume

23

Issue

2

First Page

230

Last Page

242

MeSH Keywords

Adult; African Americans; Criminals; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Religion and Sex; Risk Assessment; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Surveys and Questionnaires

Keywords

African American; HIV; church; ex-offender

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