The Influence of Religion and Spirituality on HIV Prevention Among Black and Latino Men Who Have Sex with Men, New York City

Authors

Kathryn Drumhiller, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Jose Nanín, CUNY Kingsborough Community CollegeFollow
Zaneta Gaul, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Madeline Y. Sutton, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2018

Abstract

The influence of religion and spirituality (R/S) on HIV prevention has been understudied, especially for Black and/or Latino men who have sex with men (BLMSM), who bear a disproportionate burden of HIV, and who are part of racial/ethnic communities with high engagement in R/S. The specific aim of this study was to explore perspectives about R/S among BLMSM to inform HIV prevention strategies and reduce HIV-related health disparities. Data from 105 qualitative interviews with BLMSM were analyzed; 58 (55%) stated that R/S had no personal influence on HIV prevention. For those reporting any R/S influence, main themes were: (1) R/S positively influenced decision-making and self-respect, (2) perceived judgment and stigma by religious communities, (3) belief in a higher power, and (4) altruism. These findings can inform faith-based HIV prevention interventions for BLMSM.

Comments

This article was originally published in Journal of Religion and Health.

This is a U.S. Government work and not under copyright protection in the US.