Developing FAITHH: Methods to Develop a Faith-Based HIV Stigma-Reduction Intervention in the Rural South

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Social Sciences
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disproportionately impacts Black/African American communities, especially in the Southern US.
• HIV-related stigma hinders effective HIV education, prevention, and care engagement.
• Southern faith institutions remain understudied partners for HIV stigma reduction, despite community involvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and pilot test an HIV stigma-reduction intervention, Project FAITHH, in rural, Southern faith institutions.
• To collaborate with diverse faith leaders to tailor an intervention for Black/African American communities.
• To enhance HIV awareness, prevention, and care through faith-based engagement.

Main Methods:

• Collaborative development of an eight-module intervention with rural, Southern faith leaders.
• Incorporation of educational materials, myth-busting, role-playing, and stigma-confronting activities.
• Training faith leaders to deliver HIV-inclusive sermons using scripture-based content.

Main Results:

• Successful tailoring of the intervention through engagement with faith leaders.
• Willing participation of congregation members in the research process.
• The intervention built upon strategies used in previous nonrural, Black/African American faith communities.

Conclusions:

• Faith institutions are valuable partners for HIV stigma-reduction efforts in the Southern US.
• Engaging faith leaders is crucial for adapting interventions to specific community needs.
• Project FAITHH demonstrates a viable approach to improving HIV outcomes through faith-based initiatives.