Evidence-based monitoring and evaluation of the faith-based approach to HIV prevention among Christian and Muslim youth in Wakiso district in Uganda.
BACKGROUND
The Islamic Medical Association of Uganda, has been implementing the faith-based approach to HIV prevention without baseline data on expected positive outcomes.


OBJECTIVE
To establish evidence-based baseline data on expected positive outcomes of the faith-based approach to HIV prevention.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study of 15-24 year-old youths was analyzed for significant associations between HIV infections, risky behaviors, and religiosity


RESULTS
HIV prevalence was 3.6% among Christians and 2.4% among Muslims. Abstaining from sex among teenagers was at 54% for Christians and 58% for Muslims. Being faithful in marriage among males was at 41% for Christians and 34% for Muslims and among females it was 65% for Christians and 69% for Muslims. Praying privately was associated with lower HIV infections and was observed among 60% of Christians. Sujda, the hyperpigmented marker of regular prayers on the forehead of Muslims was associated with lower HIV infections and observed in 42% of them. Ever drank alcohol was associated with higher HIV prevalence and observed in 52% of Christians and 17% of Muslims. Male circumcision rates were 15% for Christians and 98% for Muslims.


CONCLUSIONS
A sero-behavioral-religiosity survey can provide evidence-based data for monitoring and evaluation of the faith-based approach to HIV prevention.
Islamic Medical Association of Uganda, Uganda. mmkagimu@utlonline.co.ug
M
M
Kagimu
S
S
Kaye
D
D
Ainomugisha
I
I
Lutalo
Y
Y
Walakira
D
D
Guwatudde
C
C
Rwabukwali
D000293:Adolescent; D002835:Christianity / Q000523:psychology; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007514:Islam / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012067:Religion; D012071:Religion and Sex; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D057566:Self Report; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014454:Uganda / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult