Factors Influencing Black Churches' Readiness to Address HIV.
This study employed a community-based participatory research approach to understand factors that influence church readiness to engage in HIV prevention and treatment activities. A convenience sample of twenty-six Black faith leaders participated in four focus groups. Data analysis was done through qualitative content analysis. Three themes emerged. First, the pastor's blessing and authority as the church's decision-maker determines readiness to engage in HIV prevention. Second, the church's purview of sexual health as part of a holistic ministry facilitates faith leader's readiness. Lastly, securing financial and human resources makes it feasible for faith leaders to implement activities. Findings suggest HIV-related stigma alone does not explain readiness to address HIV. Participants also discussed activities their churches are equipped to handle, including HIV testing events and health fairs.
Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Memphis, 3820 Desoto Ave, Robison Hall Room 209, Memphis, TN, USA. lcpichon@memphis.edu.
Latrice C
LC
Pichon
Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Terrinieka Williams
TW
Powell
Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Memphis, 3820 Desoto Ave, Robison Hall Room 209, Memphis, TN, USA.
Siri A
SA
Ogg
Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
Andrea L
AL
Williams
Restoring Lives Through Christ, LLC, Memphis, TN, USA.
Nicole
N
Becton-Odum
D001741:Black or African American; D002977:Clergy; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D057545:Social Stigma; D013714:Tennessee
Black/African-American; CBPR; Focus groups; HIV/AIDS; Qualitative research