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Kanagasabai U, Aholou T, Chevalier MS, Tobias JL, Okuku J, Shiraishi RW, Sheneberger R, Pande YC, Chifuwe C, Mamane LE, Njika G, Obongo C, Thorsen VC. Reaching Youth Through Faith Leaders: Evaluation of the Faith Matters! Initiative. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2023; 35:82-99. [PMID: 37406142 PMCID: PMC11075127 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2023.35.suppa.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Faith leaders can be uniquely positioned to guide and support young people on health issues, particularly HIV/AIDS and sexual violence. Faith Matters!, a 2-day training workshop for faith leaders, was delivered in September 2021 in Zambia. Sixty-six faith leaders completed a questionnaire at baseline, 64 at posttraining, and 59 at 3-month follow-up. Participants' knowledge, beliefs, and comfort communicating about HIV/AIDS and sexual violence were assessed. More faith leaders accurately identified common places where sexual violence occurs at the 3-month point compared to baseline: at church (2 vs. 22, p = .000), the fields (16 vs. 29, p = .004), parties (22 vs. 36, p = .001), and clubs (24 vs. 35, p = .034). More faith leaders stated that they engaged in conversations that supported people living with HIV (48 at baseline vs. 53, p = .049 at 3-month follow-up). These findings can inform future HIV/AIDS initiatives focusing on increasing the capacity among communities of faith.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udhayashankar Kanagasabai
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis (TB), Center for Global Health (CGH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Tiffiany Aholou
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis (TB), Center for Global Health (CGH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Michelle S Chevalier
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis (TB), Center for Global Health (CGH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
| | - James L Tobias
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis (TB), Center for Global Health (CGH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jackson Okuku
- Division of Global HIV & TB, CGH, CDC, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Ray W Shiraishi
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis (TB), Center for Global Health (CGH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | - Clifton Chifuwe
- Executive Director and Global Master Trainer at the Centre for Peace Research and Advocacy, Zambia
| | - Lauren Erickson Mamane
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis (TB), Center for Global Health (CGH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
- Office of the Director, CGH, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Chris Obongo
- Regional Measurement Specialist and Global Master Trainer at PATH, Kenya
| | - Viva C Thorsen
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis (TB), Center for Global Health (CGH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
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Enyan NIE, Akaba S, Amoo SA. Women diagnosed with HIV and unknown HIV status perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer and perceived benefits of cervical cancer screening in Ghana: a cross-sectional study. BMC Womens Health 2021; 21:367. [PMID: 34657607 PMCID: PMC8522230 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-021-01509-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is an issue of global health concern, and it seems to be the next epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa after Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This study compared the perceptions of susceptibility to cervical cancer and benefits of cervical cancer screening among women diagnosed and those with unknown HIV status and determined the association between socio-demographic factors and HIV status. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with 600 women diagnosed with HIV and 600 women with unknown HIV status in the Central Region of Ghana. Convenience sampling was used and a structured interview schedule was the main data collection instrument. Data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, chi-square test and independent samples t-test. RESULTS A high proportion of women diagnosed with HIV 94.8% (n = 569) and those with unknown HIV status 93.5% (n = 561) agreed that "screening can find cervical changes". Also, 58.0% (n = 348) of women diagnosed with HIV agreed that they have been in polygamous relationships so they may get cervical cancer. There was a statistically significant association between marital status (X2 = 167.071, p = 0.001), religion (X2 = 57.720, p = 0.001), level of education (X2 = 118.997, p = 0.001), employment status (X2 = 782.646, p = 0.001) and HIV status. A comparison of the mean difference for women diagnosed and those with unknown HIV status in relation to perceived benefits of cervical cancer screening showed a statistically significant difference (t = 7.418, df = 1198, p = 0.001). Nonetheless, there was no statistically significant difference in the means for women diagnosed and those with unknown HIV status regarding perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer (t = 0.935, df = 1198, p = 0.351). CONCLUSIONS Women with HIV perceived higher benefits of cervical cancer screening. Perception of susceptibility to cervical cancer by women with and those without HIV need to be addressed in efforts to improve their health. Furthermore, interventions for women with HIV should consider some important sociodemographic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Innocentia Ebu Enyan
- Department of Adult Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Selorm Akaba
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, School of Agriculture, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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Kalema D, Vanderplasschen W, Vindevogel S, Derluyn I. The role of religion in alcohol consumption and demand reduction in Muslim majority countries (MMC). Addiction 2016; 111:1716-8. [PMID: 26970071 DOI: 10.1111/add.13333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Kalema
- Hope and Beyond Alcohol and Drug Rehab, Kampala, Uganda. .,School of Psychological Studies, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. .,Department of Special Needs Education, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | | | - Sofie Vindevogel
- Faculty of Education, Health and Social Work, University College Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ilse Derluyn
- Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Esmaeilzadeh S, Allahverdipour H, Fathi B, Shirzadi S. Risk Perception of HIV/AIDS and Low Self-Control Trait: Explaining Preventative Behaviors Among Iranian University Students. Glob J Health Sci 2015; 8:44-52. [PMID: 26573026 PMCID: PMC4873595 DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v8n4p44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In spite of developed countries there are progressive trend about HIV/AIDS and its' aspects of transmission in the low socio-economic societies. The aim of this was to explain the youth's behavior in adopting HIV/AIDS related preventive behaviors in a sample of Iranian university students by emphasizing on fear appeals approaches alongside examining the role of self-control trait for explaining adoption on danger or fear control processes based on Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM). METHODS A sample of 156 randomly selected university students in Jolfa, Iran was recruited in a predictive cross-sectional study by application of a researcher-designed questionnaire through self-report data collection manner. Sexual high risk behaviors, the EPPM variables, self-control trait, and general self-efficacy were measured as theoretical framework. RESULTS Findings indicated that 31.3% of participants were in the fear control process versus 68.7% in danger control about HIV/AIDS and also the presence of multi-sex partners and amphetamine consumption amongst the participants. Low self-control trait and low perceived susceptibility significantly were related to having a history of multi-sex partners while high level of self-efficacy significantly increased the probability of condom use. CONCLUSION Findings of the study were indicative of the protective role of high level of self-control, perceived susceptibility and self-efficacy factors on youth's high-risk behaviors and their preventative skills as well.
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Mavhu W, Mupambireyi Z, Hart G, Cowan FM. Factors associated with parental non-adoption of infant male circumcision for HIV prevention in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and thematic synthesis. AIDS Behav 2014; 18:1776-84. [PMID: 24980247 PMCID: PMC4125745 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-014-0835-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Infant male circumcision (IMC) may be more effective at preventing HIV than adult male circumcision as the procedure is carried out before the individual becomes sexually active. Successful scale-up will depend on identifying and overcoming parental concerns that may act as barriers for IMC. We conducted a systematic review to identify qualitative studies reporting on parental reasons for non-adoption of IMC for HIV prevention in sub-Saharan Africa. Thematic synthesis was subsequently conducted. Five descriptive themes were identified; these were later condensed into two main analytical themes: "poor knowledge" and "social constructs". While barriers and motivators are to some degree context specific, this review suggests that there are common themes that need to be addressed across the region if uptake of IMC for HIV prevention is to be widely adopted. Study findings are therefore likely to have broad implications for IMC roll out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Webster Mavhu
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, 9 Monmouth Road, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe,
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Scott-Sheldon LAJ, Walstrom P, Carey KB, Johnson BT, Carey MP. Alcohol use and sexual risk behaviors among individuals infected with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis 2012 to early 2013. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2014; 10:314-23. [PMID: 24078370 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-013-0177-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this meta-analytic study is to summarize the current science concerning the (a) prevalence of alcohol use, (b) prevalence of sexual risk behaviors, and (c) association between alcohol use and sexual risk behaviors among people livingwithHIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Studies were included if they sampled PLWHA, evaluated both alcohol use and sexual risk behavior (e.g., condom use, multiple partners), and were published between January 1, 2012, and April 1, 2013. Comprehensive electronic database searches located 728 published studies with relevant keywords; 17 studies (k =19 reports) were included. Findings indicate that a substantial proportion of PLWHA use alcohol and engage in sexual risk behaviors. Among PLWHA, alcohol use was significantly associated with unprotected sex (d +=0.23, 95 % CI=0.05, 0.40; k =5). Secondary prevention programs for PLWHA that address alcohol use in the context of sexual behavior are needed.
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Can churches play a role in combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic? A study of the attitudes of christian religious leaders in Madagascar. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97131. [PMID: 24824620 PMCID: PMC4019665 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Churches occupy an important social and cultural position in Madagascar. The sexual transmission of HIV raises controversies about the role that Churches can play in preventing HIV/AIDS. This cross-sectional survey investigated recommendations by religious leaders for condom use and other preventive strategies in the context of international guidelines. Methods A questionnaire was self-administered to a random sample of religious leaders. The questions related to preventive methods against HIV/AIDS such as: condom use, marital fidelity, sexual abstinence before marriage, and HIV-testing. Associations with recommendations for condom use were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results Of 231 religious leaders, 215 (93.1%) were willing to share their knowledge of HIV/AIDS with their congregations. The majority received their information from the media (N = 136, 58.9%), a minority from their church (N = 9, 3.9%), and 38 (16.4%) had received prior training on HIV. Nearly all (N = 212, 91.8%) knew that HIV could be sexually transmitted though only a few (N = 39, 16.9%) were aware of mother-to-child transmission or unsafe injections (N = 56, 24.2%). A total of 91 (39.4%) were willing to, or had recommended (N = 64, 27.7%), condom use, while 50 (21.6%) had undergone HIV testing. Only nine (3.9%) had ever cared for a person living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). Multivariable logistic regression shows that condom use recommendations by religious leaders were negatively associated with tertiary level education (OR: 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.7), and positively associated with knowing a person at risk (OR: 16.2, 95% CI 3.2–80.2), knowing of an ART center (OR: 2.6, 95% CI 1.4–4.8), and receiving information about HIV at school (OR: 2.6, 95% CI 1.2–5.6). Conclusions Malagasy church leaders could potentially become key players in HIV/AIDS prevention if they improved their knowledge of the illness, their commitment to international recommendations, and extended their interaction with people most at risk.
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Sahay S, Nagarajan K, Mehendale S, Deb S, Gupta A, Bharat S, Bhatt S, Kumar AB, Kanthe V, Sinha A, Chandhiok N. Community and healthcare providers' perspectives on male circumcision: a multi-centric qualitative study in India. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91213. [PMID: 24614575 PMCID: PMC3948789 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2013] [Accepted: 02/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although male circumcision (MC) is recommended as an HIV prevention option, the religious, cultural and biomedical dimensions of its feasibility, acceptability and practice in India have not been explored till date. This study explores beliefs, experiences and understanding of the community and healthcare providers (HCPs) about adult MC as an HIV prevention option in India. METHODS This qualitative study covered 134 in-depth interviews from Belgaum, Kolkata, Meerut and Mumbai cities of India. Of these, 62 respondents were the members of circumcising (CC)/non-circumcising communities (NCC); including medically and traditionally circumcised men, parents of circumcised children, spouses of circumcised men, and religious clerics. Additionally, 58 registered healthcare providers (RHCPs) such as general and pediatric surgeons, pediatricians, skin and venereal disease specialists, general practitioners, and operation theatre nurses were interviewed. Fourteen traditional circumcisers were also interviewed. The data were coded and analyzed in QSR NUD*IST ver. 6.0. The study has not explored the participants' views about neonatal versus adult circumcision. RESULTS Members of CC/NCC, traditional circumcisers and RCHPs expressed sharp religious sensitivities around the issue of MC. Six themes emerged: Male circumcision as the religious rite; Multiple meanings of MC: MC for 'religious identity/privilege/sacrifice' or 'hygiene'; MC inflicts pain and cost; Medical indications outweigh faith; Hesitation exists in accepting 'foreign' evidence supporting MC; and communication is the key for acceptance of MCs. Medical indications could make members of NCC accept MC following appropriate counseling. Majority of the RHCPs demanded local in-country evidence. CONCLUSION HCPs must educate high-risk groups regarding the preventive and therapeutic role of MC. Communities need to discuss and create new social norms about male circumcision for better societal acceptance especially among the NCC. Feasibility studies on MC as an individual specific option for the high risk groups in health care setting needs to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema Sahay
- National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anju Sinha
- Indian Council of Medical Research, Delhi, India
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Francis JM, Grosskurth H, Changalucha J, Kapiga SH, Weiss HA. Systematic review and meta-analysis: prevalence of alcohol use among young people in eastern Africa. Trop Med Int Health 2014; 19:476-88. [PMID: 24479379 PMCID: PMC4065366 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objective Systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies of alcohol use among young people (age 15–24 years) in eastern Africa to estimate prevalence of alcohol use and determine the extent of use of standardised screening questionnaires in alcohol studies. Methods Five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, Africa-wide, and PsycINFO) were searched for publications until 30th June 2013. Results were summarised using the guidelines on preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) and on quality assessment using the modified quality assessment tool for systematic reviews of observational studies (QATSO). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic (DerSimonian-Laird). Results We identified 2785 potentially relevant studies, of which 56 were eligible for inclusion. Only two studies (4%) used the standardised Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire, and six studies (13%) used the Cut down, Annoyed, Guilt, Eye opener (CAGE) questionnaire. The reported median prevalence of alcohol use was ever-use 52% [interquartile range (IQR): 20–58%], use in the last month 28% (IQR: 17–37%), use in the last year 26% (IQR: 22–32%), and problem drinking as defined by CAGE or AUDIT 15% (IQR: 3–36%). We observed high heterogeneity between studies, with the highest prevalence of ever use of alcohol among university students (82%; 95%CI: 79–85%) and female sex workers (66%; 95%CI: 58–74%). Current use was most prevalent among male sex workers (69%; 95%CI: 63–75%). Conclusions Reported alcohol use and problem drinking were common among diverse groups of young people in eastern Africa, indicating the urgent need for alcohol-focused interventions in this population. Few studies have used standardised alcohol screening questionnaires. Epidemiological research to investigate alcohol-focused interventions in young people should aim to apply such questionnaires that should be validated for use in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel M Francis
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK; National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
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Tumwesigye NM, Atuyambe L, Kibira SPS, Wabwire-Mangen F, Tushemerirwe F, Wagner GJ. Do religion and religiosity have anything to do with alcohol consumption patterns? Evidence from two fish landing sites on Lake Victoria Uganda. Subst Use Misuse 2013; 48:1130-7. [PMID: 24041174 DOI: 10.3109/10826084.2013.808464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Fish landing sites have high levels of harmful use of alcohol. This paper examines the role of religion and religiosity on alcohol consumption at two fish landing sites on Lake Victoria in Uganda. Questionnaires were administered to randomly selected people at the sites. Dependent variables included alcohol consumption during the previous 30 days, whereas the key independent variables were religion and religiosity. Bivariate and multivariate analysis techniques were applied. People reporting low religiosity were five times more likely to have consumed alcohol (95% confidence interval: 2.45-10.04) compared with those reporting low/average religiosity. Religion and religiosity are potential channels for controlling alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazarius M Tumwesigye
- 1School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences , Kampala , Uganda
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Downs JA, Fuunay LD, Fuunay M, Mbago M, Mwakisole A, Peck RN, Downs DJ. 'The body we leave behind': a qualitative study of obstacles and opportunities for increasing uptake of male circumcision among Tanzanian Christians. BMJ Open 2013; 3:bmjopen-2013-002802. [PMID: 23793672 PMCID: PMC3657636 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-002802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Male circumcision (MC) reduces HIV infection by approximately 60% among heterosexual men and is recommended by the WHO for HIV prevention in sub-Saharan Africa. In northwest Tanzania, over 60% of Muslims but less than 25% of Christian men are circumcised. We hypothesised that the decision to circumcise may be heavily influenced by religious identity and that specific religious beliefs may offer both obstacles and opportunities to increasing MC uptake, and conducted focus group discussions to explore reasons for low rates of MC among Christian church attenders in the region. DESIGN Qualitative study using focus group discussions and interpretative phenomenological analysis. SETTING Discussions took place at churches in both rural and urban areas of the Mwanza region of northwest Tanzania. PARTICIPANTS We included 67 adult Christian churchgoers of both genders in a total of 10 single-gender focus groups. RESULTS Christians frequently reported perceiving MC as a Muslim practice, as a practice for the sexually promiscuous, or as unnecessary since they are taught to focus on 'circumcision of the heart'. Only one person had ever heard MC discussed at church, but nearly all Christian parishioners were eager for their churches to address MC and felt that MC could be consistent with their faith. CONCLUSIONS Christian religious beliefs among Tanzanian churchgoers provide both obstacles and opportunities for increasing uptake of MC. Since half of adults in sub-Saharan Africa identify themselves as Christians, addressing these issues is critical for MC efforts in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Downs
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | | | - Robert N Peck
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - David J Downs
- School of Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California, USA
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