Abstract
Background and Review of Literature: Faith-based organizations are important institutions with the potential to increase the reach of HIV knowledge and address HIV-related stigma in the African-born population. This population has a high incidence of HIV/AIDS and late diagnosis mainly due to the stigma. Faith based organizations can play an important role in addressing stigma by creating welcoming environments in the church for people living with HIV. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to implement a faith-based education program in an African Church in Washington State to raise awareness, educate, increase early testing and linkage to care and as a result reduce the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. Methods and implementation: The HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Stigma Survey was used for the pre and post assessment. After the pre survey was conducted, the pastors of the church were provided with a toolkit that helped them incorporate HIV related messages in the sermons. The participants were provided with HIV/AIDS and stigma fact sheets in form of pockets cards. Lastly, a woman living positively with HIV shared personal experiences with church congregation. This education program was conducted over one month and a post assessment was done after program conclusion. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in knowledge but no statistically significant change in stigma between the pre and post HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Stigma Survey. Implications/Conclusion: Faith based organizations should be considered as avenues that can be used to increase HIV Knowledge to community members and serve an important role in addressing HIV-related stigma. Future research is needed on measuring HIV related stigma beliefs and strategies to address one's stigmatizing beliefs.
Sigma Membership
Tau Theta
Lead Author Affiliation
Nebraska Methodist College, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
Type
DNP Capstone Project
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Translational Research/Evidence-based Practice
Keywords:
African-born, Foreign-born, HIV-related Stigma, Church Groups, Congregations, Faith-based Interventions, HIV, Attitude to AIDS, HIV Education
Advisor
Kindschuh, Alice
Degree
DNP
Degree Grantor
Nebraska Methodist College
Degree Year
2019
Recommended Citation
Gichuhi, Besh and Kindschuh, Alice, "A faith-based education program to reduce stigma associated with HIV/AIDS among the African-born population" (2024). Group: Nebraska Methodist College. 2.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/group_nmc/2
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Review Type
Faculty Approved: Degree-based Submission
Acquisition
Self-submission
Full Text of Presentation
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