HIV/AIDS stigma and religiosity among African American women

J Health Commun. 2010 Jun;15(4):388-401. doi: 10.1080/10810731003753125.

Abstract

African American women are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS compared with other ethnicities, accounting for two-thirds (67%) of all women diagnosed with HIV. Despite their increased risk of HIV infection, few studies have been conducted to understand culture-specific factors leading to their vulnerability. Given the central role of religious organizations in African American communities, this study explored whether and to what extent religiosity plays a role in stigma toward HIV/AIDS. Results of hierarchical regression showed that after controlling for key factors, religiosity was a significant factor predicting the level of religious stigma. Those with high religiosity displayed significantly higher stigma, associating HIV/AIDS with a curse or punishment from God. Verbatim responses to an open-ended question also revealed seemingly ingrained prejudice against HIV/AIDS from a religious perspective. The findings point to the important role of faith-based organizations (FBOs) in addressing HIV/AIDS issues within African American communities.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Black or African American / psychology*
  • Black or African American / statistics & numerical data
  • Culture
  • Data Collection
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / ethnology*
  • HIV Infections / psychology
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Regression Analysis
  • Religion*
  • Residence Characteristics
  • Risk Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Stereotyping*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires