title: HIV/AIDS: perceptions of the Grenadian faith-based community.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This exploratory study conducted in 2008 aimed at gathering the views and opinions of leaders of the faith-based community (FBC) in Grenada about the increased incidence of HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean region including their beliefs and attitudes towards persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV/AIDS).
  
  
  METHODS
  The study followed a cross-sectional design and used a qualitative approach. Telephone surveys were conducted with all faith-based organizations and semi-structured interviews done with key leaders representing the faith-based community in Grenada.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings showed that perceptions of HIV/AIDS are embedded in a socio-political-cultural context where many risk behaviours and factors intertwine in complex ways. Religious beliefs are based on love, compassion and acceptance. The most prominent risk behaviours associated with the spread of HIV/AIDS identified by leaders are homosexuality, prostitution, promiscuity and substance abuse which are in direct contradiction to their beliefs and teachings. Leaders felt that these risk behaviours were exacerbated by changes in family structure and the absence of a common moral discourse shared by all sectors of society.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The faith-based community has a significant presence across Grenada and it can be an effective partner in helping communities understand and prevent HIV/AIDS and overcome the stigma and discrimination associated with this disease. Training and effective strategies are needed to engage them in the national response to HIV/AIDS without threatening their ideologies and practices.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Applied Anthropology, Grenada, West Indies. angelagomez16@yahoo.com
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gomez
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Alexis-Thomas
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D019425:Grenada / Q000453:epidemiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012309:Risk-Taking; D011477:Sex Work / Q000523:psychology; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D015229:Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology