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Factors Influencing Black Churches’ Readiness to Address HIV

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Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by research funds provided by the University of Memphis Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change and the American Psychological Association Cyber Mentors Program (in part). LCP was the recipient of these funds. We are grateful to the 26 faith leaders for sharing their experiences. Patrick Denning, MPH, is acknowledged for assistance in study preparation. We thank April Nellum, MS, for assistance with data entry. We thank Joel Sims, Jr., for his insight on leadership structures in African-American churches. We thank Lisa Krull for her support in reviewing and editing this manuscript. Finally, Diane Binson, Ph.D., is acknowledged for her continuous support, mentorship, and review of earlier drafts.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Memphis, 3820 Desoto Ave, Robison Hall Room 209, Memphis, TN, USA

    Latrice C. Pichon & Siri A. Ogg

  2. Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Terrinieka Williams Powell

  3. Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA

    Andrea L. Williams

  4. Restoring Lives Through Christ, LLC, Memphis, TN, USA

    Nicole Becton-Odum

Authors
  1. Latrice C. Pichon
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  2. Terrinieka Williams Powell
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  3. Siri A. Ogg
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  4. Andrea L. Williams
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  5. Nicole Becton-Odum
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Correspondence to Latrice C. Pichon.

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Pichon, L.C., Powell, T.W., Ogg, S.A. et al. Factors Influencing Black Churches’ Readiness to Address HIV. J Relig Health 55, 918–927 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-015-0117-3

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