title: Religious leaders as potential advocates for HIV/AIDS prevention among the general population in Sri Lanka.
abstract: Religious leaders in Sri Lanka may have a high potential of contributing to HIV/AIDS prevention among the general public because of their social status. In order to assess their current HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and attitude and the possibility of becoming community advocates of HIV/AIDS prevention, we conducted a questionnaire survey among Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian leaders in Sri Lanka in 2009. There were limited correct responses about HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), and information regarding condoms, HIV testing and counselling were poorly understood. Although a condom was less acceptable as a part of HIV/AIDS prevention, they were willing to learn more about HIV/AIDS and expressed support for both PLHIV and HIV prevention activities. Their experiences, preparedness and willingness of HIV prevention activities were associated with age, knowledge and/or religious background. In conclusion, intensive and systematic learning opportunities should be provided to equip the religious leaders with overall HIV/AIDS knowledge to become key players for HIV/AIDS prevention in their communities.
authors.affiliation: Mie University Hospital, Tsu, Japan.
authors.forename: Koji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kanda
authors.forename: Ananda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jayasinghe
authors.forename: K Tudor
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: N G W
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Priyadarshani
authors.forename: N Y
authors.initials: NY
authors.lastname: Delpitiya
authors.forename: Yoshihide
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Obayashi
authors.forename: Asuna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Arai
authors.forename: Chandika D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Gamage
authors.forename: Hiko
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tamashiro
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D002016:Buddhism; D002835:Christianity; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology*; D018596:Hinduism; D006801:Humans; D007514:Islam; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D012071:Religion and Sex; D013188:Sri Lanka / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult