An HIV Testing Intervention in African American Churches: Pilot Study Findings.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-2016

Identifier

DOI: 10.1007/s12160-015-9758-4; PMCID: PMC5026504

Abstract

Background: African Americans are disproportionately burdened by HIV. The African American church is an influential institution with potential to increase reach of HIV prevention interventions in Black communities.

Purpose: This study examined HIV testing rates in African American churches in the Taking It to the Pews pilot project. Using a community-engaged approach, church leaders delivered religiously-tailored HIV education and testing materials/activities (e.g., sermons, brochures/bulletins, testimonials) to church and community members.

Methods: Four African American churches (N=543 participants) located in the Kansas City metropolitan area were randomized to intervention and comparison groups. Receipt of an HIV test was assessed at baseline and 6 months.

Results: Findings indicated intervention participants were 2.2 times more likely to receive an HIV test than comparisons at 6 months. Church leaders delivered about 2 tools per month.

Conclusions: Church-based HIV testing interventions are feasible and have potential to increase HIV testing rates in African American communities.

Journal Title

Annals of behavioral medicine : a publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine

Volume

50

Issue

3

First Page

480

Last Page

485

MeSH Keywords

AIDS Serodiagnosis; Adolescent; Adult; African Americans; Community-Based Participatory Research; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Missouri; Pilot Projects; Religion and Medicine; Young Adult

Keywords

AIDS Serodiagnosis; Adolescent; Adult; African Americans; Community-Based Participatory Research; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Missouri; Pilot Projects; Religion and Medicine; Young Adult

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