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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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Rosenthal AE, Spezia M, Sosnowy C, Chan PA. Acceptability of HIV Prevention Approaches Among USA Faith-Based Leaders. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2023; 62:1658-1675. [PMID: 36515812 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-022-01705-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
HIV/AIDS disproportionately impacts underserved communities in the USA. This study evaluated the acceptability of partnering with faith communities to improve HIV prevention, screening, and engagement in care with a focus on Hispanic/Latinx (H/L) communities. We engaged faith-based leaders to identify how the cultural competence and foundations of trust within these communities may be leveraged to improve HIV-related healthcare access for underserved groups including H/L individuals. Using a semi-structured qualitative interview approach, we interviewed N = 20 faith-based leaders in Providence County, Rhode Island (RI). Data were analyzed using the framework approach which utilized inductive generation of themes and systematic grouping into predetermined categories. Seven of the 20 interviewees self-identified as H/L faith leaders and discussed needs specific to H/L communities including destigmatization of HIV, increased access to care, and partnerships founded on mutual respect. The other 13 faith leaders did not personally identify as H/L but all served communities with significant H/L populations. We included these individuals given their communities already performed HIV and/or other health outreach and could provide insight into what approaches could be adapted to the needs expressed by H/L leaders. All interviewees were accepting of developing partnerships with outside organizations to engage in HIV prevention, and all identified potential solutions to identified barriers. Results suggested that faith-based outreach should be further investigated as a method of improving HIV prevention in the general and H/L populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex E Rosenthal
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Marie Spezia
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Collette Sosnowy
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Philip A Chan
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
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Pichon LC, Teti M, McGoy S, Murry VM, Juarez PD. Engaging Black men who have sex with men (MSM) in the South in identifying strategies to increase PrEP uptake. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1491. [PMID: 36476363 PMCID: PMC9727972 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08914-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Promotion, uptake, and adherence of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is paramount to ending the HIV epidemic among young Black men who have sex with men in the South. The purpose of this study was to explore strategies needed for and barriers to PrEP uptake needed to achieve HIV prevention goals identified in the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services initiative to reduce new HIV infections in the United States by 90 percent by 2030. METHOD Young adults (n = 25) between the ages of 15-34 were recruited from community-based organizations in Memphis to participate in four focus group discussions. Discussion topics included motivations, barriers, and facilitators to PrEP use. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS All (100%) of participants self-identified as HIV-negative, Black (96%), men who have sex with men (96%), and currently prescribed PrEP/Truvada (60%). Themes identified for increasing uptake included 1) trusted peers, 2) relatable healthcare provider (e.g., Historically Black College and University (HBCU) trained, LGBTQ), and 3) use of social media. Mislabeling of PrEP as promiscuity promoting and limitations with PrEP marketing (e.g., solely LGBTQ) were recognized as barriers that perpetuated stigma. CONCLUSION Findings suggest the importance of increasing awareness among health professions students matriculating at HBCUs of their perceived role as relatable healthcare providers by Black MSM; working closely with couples; and crafting of PrEP messaging that is non-stigmatizing. Findings will inform public health interventions for young Black MSM and facilitate HIV prevention efforts with other groups disproportionally affected by HIV in the South.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latrice C. Pichon
- grid.56061.340000 0000 9560 654XSchool of Public Health, Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Memphis, 3825 Desoto Ave 209 Robison Hall, Memphis, TN 38152 USA
| | - Michelle Teti
- grid.134936.a0000 0001 2162 3504Department of Public Health, The University of Missouri, 806 Lewis Hall, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Shanell McGoy
- grid.416951.e0000 0004 0437 4464Formerly Tennessee Department of Health, 710 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243 USA
| | - Velma McBride Murry
- grid.412807.80000 0004 1936 9916Departments of Health Policy Human and Organizational Development, Vanderbilt University Medical Center & Peabody College, PMB 90 230 Appleton Place, Nashville, TN 37203 USA
| | - Paul D. Juarez
- grid.259870.10000 0001 0286 752XDepartment of Family & Community Medicine, Meharry Medical College, 1005 Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37208 USA
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Parsons S. Fear of Punishment in Another World: a Follow-Up Examination of the Religious Beliefs About HIV/AIDS-A Decade of Progress? JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2022; 61:3350-3362. [PMID: 31863262 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-019-00962-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study compared 2000 and 2010 data on the religious beliefs about HIV/AIDS among those with HIV in a Deep South state. The percentage agreeing that HIV/AIDS is a punishment from God had not decreased in that decade. The literature on interventions to reduce religious stigma and increase church involvement in HIV/AIDS prevention was presented. The study concluded with a set of recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Parsons
- Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
- Grand Canyon University College of Doctoral Studies, 3300 W Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ, 85017, USA.
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Hussain A, Ashcroft R. Social Work Leadership Competencies for Practice amid Crisis: A Scoping Review. HEALTH & SOCIAL WORK 2022; 47:205-214. [PMID: 35708647 DOI: 10.1093/hsw/hlac016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Leadership skills are a critical component of effective social work practice in interdisciplinary healthcare and mental healthcare settings. Over the last two decades there has been increased attention to the importance of social work leadership skills for clinical practice. Moreover, social workers display essential leadership skills when supporting individuals and communities amid large-scale crises such as pandemics, natural disasters, wars, and other sociopolitical crises. Currently, there is an absence of literature on social work leadership skills for effective practice in healthcare and mental healthcare settings during times of crisis. To bridge this knowledge gap, this scoping review aimed to synthesize and map the current literature on social work leadership competencies in healthcare and mental healthcare amid crises. Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage framework for scoping reviews guided this project. Six academic databases were searched, and a total of nine articles met inclusion criteria. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify recurrent themes among these articles. Results highlight that leadership was defined as both a role and a skill set, and identified collaboration, connection, and shared learning as key leadership competencies for social workers. Implications for social work practice, education, and research are discussed.
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Nunn A, Jeffries WL, Foster P, McCoy K, Sutten-Coats C, Willie TC, Ransome Y, Lanzi RG, Jackson E, Berkley-Patton J, Keefer M, Coleman JD. Reducing the African American HIV Disease Burden in the Deep South: Addressing the Role of Faith and Spirituality. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:319-330. [PMID: 31444712 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02631-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nearly half of HIV infections in the United States are concentrated among African Americans, and over half of new HIV infections occur in the South. African Americans have poorer outcomes in the entire continua of HIV and PrEP care. Complex social, structural, and behavioral factors contribute to our nation's alarming racial disparities in HIV infection, particularly in the Deep South. Despite the importance of faith, spirituality and religious practice in the lives of many African Americans, there has been little scientific investment exploring how African Americans' religious participation, faith and spirituality may impact our nation's HIV epidemic. This article summarizes the state of the science on this critical issue. We also identify opportunities for new scholarship on how faith, spirituality and religious participation may impact HIV care continuum outcomes in the South and call for greater federal research investment on these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Nunn
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, 121 S. Main St, G-810, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
- Rhode Island Public Health Institute, Providence, USA.
| | - William L Jeffries
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Antlanta, USA
| | - Pamela Foster
- Department of Community Medicine/Population Health, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Tuscaloosa Regional Campus, Tuscaloosa, USA
| | - Katryna McCoy
- School of Nursing & Health Studies, University of Washington - Bothell, Bothell, USA
| | - Cassandra Sutten-Coats
- Center for Health Equity Research, Brown University, 121 S. Main St, G-810, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
- Rhode Island Public Health Institute, Providence, USA
| | - Tiara C Willie
- Rhode Island Public Health Institute, Providence, USA
- Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, USA
| | - Yusuf Ransome
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, USA
| | - Robin Gaines Lanzi
- Department of Health Behavior, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
- Center for AIDS Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Edward Jackson
- Center for AIDS Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | | | - Michael Keefer
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, USA
| | - Jason D Coleman
- School of Health and Kinesiology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, USA
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Gichuru E, Kombo B, Mumba N, Sariola S, Sanders EJ, van der Elst EM. Engaging religious leaders to support HIV prevention and care for gays, bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men in coastal Kenya. CRITICAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 28:294-305. [PMID: 29770367 PMCID: PMC5935049 DOI: 10.1080/09581596.2018.1447647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In Kenyan communities, religious leaders are important gatekeepers in matters of health and public morality. In a context that is generally homophobic, religious leaders may aggravate or reduce stigmatization of sexual minorities such as gay and bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Literature indicates mixed results in efforts to encourage religious leaders to work effectively and sensitively with issues regarding HIV and sexuality. This paper describes the implementation of an engagement intervention with religious leaders from different denominations, which took place following a homophobic hate attack that was led by local religious leaders, at an HIV research clinic for GBMSM on the Kenyan coast. After the homophobic attack, tailored engagement activities, including a comprehensive four-day online sensitivity training course took place between June 2015 and October 2016 in the Kenyan coast. HIV researchers, together with trained GBMSM activists, organized the series of engagement activities for religious leaders which unfolded iteratively, with each subsequent activity informed by the results of the previous one. Facilitated conversations were used to explore differences and disagreements in relation to questions of scripture, mission, HIV, and human sexuality. As a result, researchers noted that many religious leaders, who initially expressed exceedingly negative attitudes towards GBMSM, started to express far more accepting and supportive views of sexuality, sexual identities, and same-sex relations. This paper describes the changes in religious leaders’ discourses relating to GBMSM, and highlights the possibility of using engagement interventions to build trust between research institutes, religious leaders, and GBMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evans Gichuru
- Kenya Medical Research Institute - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Bernadette Kombo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Noni Mumba
- Kenya Medical Research Institute - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Salla Sariola
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eduard J Sanders
- Kenya Medical Research Institute - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,Department of Global Health, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Elise M van der Elst
- Kenya Medical Research Institute - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,Department of Global Health, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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