title: Religiosity for HIV prevention in Uganda: a case study among Muslim youth in Wakiso district.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Evidence for the association between religiosity and HIV infections is limited. Sujda, the hyper-pigmented spot on the forehead due to repeated prostration during prayers and fasting to worship, involving abstaining from food, drink and sex during daytime in Ramadhan and other specified days, are measures of religiosity among Muslims
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the association between religiosity and HIV infections.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was an unmatched case-control study with 29 HIV positive cases and 116 HIV negative controls, from 1224 Muslims, 15-24 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Respondents without Sujda had more HIV infections (odds ratio 2.90, 95% CI 1.07-7.86, p=0.029). Those with Sujda were more likely to abstain from sex (odds ratio 1.69, 95% CI 1.31-2.20, p<0.001) and be faithful in marriage (odds ratio 1.69, 95% CI 1.11-2.57, p=0.012). Respondents without Sujda were more likely to have ever taken alcohol before sex (odds ratio 5.00, 95% CI 1.39-17.95, p=0.006) and to have ever used narcotics (odds ratio 2.12, 95% CI, 1.11-4.05, p=0.019). Respondents who fasted less, had more HIV infections (odds ratio 2.46, 95% CI 1.07-5.67, p=0.028).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sujda and fasting were associated with lower HIV infections. Imams should use this information to intensify the Islamic approach to HIV prevention.
authors: Islamic Medical Association of Uganda, Uganda. mmkagimu@utlonline.co.ug
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Kagimu
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Guwatudde
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Rwabukwali
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Kaye
authors: Y
authors: Y
authors: Walakira
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Ainomugisha
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007514:Islam; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014454:Uganda; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: HIV Prevention; Muslim; Religiosity; Uganda
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