HIV stigma in faith communities in South Africa: A cross-sectional study

Background: The role of religion and faith in the context of HIV stigma is complex. It is important to recognise the diversity of religious beliefs and practices and to work with faith communities to promote a compassionate, non-stigmatising response to HIV. This aimed to explore HIV stigma within faith communities.Methods: The study used a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design, recruiting 141 participants from faith communities in South Africa, mainly from the Western Cape province. Communities that were gathering together with a specific faith, religion, or spirituality were deemed "faith communities". Participants were recruited through the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation network and snowballing. HIV stigma awareness was measured using the People Living with HIV Stigma Index. Data were analysed using independent t-tests, One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and Simple correlation analysis.Results: Faith leaders who were involved in HIV ministry gave participants a better understanding of HIV stigma in their communities compared with faith leaders who were not involved in HIV ministry. Younger participants (age < 30 years) thought fewer people believed HIV stigma misinformation compared to the oldest participant group (age >51 years). Participants who witnessed HIV stigma in a community were more involved in healthcare activities (r = 0.262) but were also more likely to believe HIV is the result of immoral behaviour (r = 0.323). Communities that believed HIV was the result of immoral behaviour were more likely to believe misinformation about HIV (r = 0.244). Lastly, when the community believed facts about HIV and medicine, they were less likely to believe that HIV was the result of immoral behaviour (r = -0.246).Conclusion: Faith communities have a role in diminishing HIV stigma. Active involvement of faith communities in HIV services and programs is more effective than solely educating faith communities about HIV. Given faith communities' notable role in shaping morality and stigma within their communities, activities showing the inclusion of people with HIV are vital.