Reducing African-American women's sexual risk: can churches play a role?

This study investigates: 1) perceptions of clergy regarding their current counseling and the need for future programs concerning sexual risk-taking, 2) sexual risk behaviors among a group of African-American women, 3) women's attitudes regarding condom use, and 4) women's receptiveness to church programs regarding sexual risks.

The clergy of 50 randomly selected predominantly African-American churches in five North Carolina counties were contacted regarding participation. Female parishioners ages 18-30 from participating churches were invited to complete written surveys concerning women's health.

Of 50 clergy repeatedly contacted, 38 declined to participate and eight did not complete the interview. Only four interviews could be completed. Counseling regarding sexual risk was not common among the four clergy. They often advised parishioners to practice abstinence. Survey data was received from 142 respondents at 14 churches. Nearly 84% of the women surveyed had a history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Almost all of the respondents were receptive to a church program regarding sexual risks.

Despite the sexual risks among African-American women, in this study, many clergy were unwilling to address prevention and were uncomfortable discussing issues related to sexual health. However, the few clergy who agreed to participate were very receptive to future programs.