HIV This Week

Bazant ES, Boulay M. Factors associated with religious congregation members' support to people living with HIV/AIDS in Kumasi, Ghana. AIDS Behav 2007 Jan 6[Epub ahead of print].

Physical, social and economic constraints often limit the ability of people living with HIV to meet their basic needs. Community members are a valuable source of support for people living with HIV, although little is known about the types of support they provide or how to mobilise this support. Bazant and Boulay examined this issue by conducting a survey of 1200 members of 6 religious congregations in Kumasi, Ghana. A fifth of congregation members reported providing some support to people with HIV in the last 6 months, mostly through prayer, financial support, and counselling. Factors associated with providing support include having heard a congregation or tribal chief speaking about HIV, collective efficacy related to HIV, and perceived risk of becoming infected with HIV. The authors conclude that to enhance support to people with HIV, programmes should involve community leaders and encourage dialogue on ways to address the epidemic.