Faith-Based HIV Prevention: Organizational Facilitators and Barriers

Background: The objective of this study was to assess organizational-level facilitators for and barriers to implementing HIV prevention interventions in faith-based organizations (FBOs).

Methods: This qualitative study included focus groups with a stratified sample of care team members and semi-structured in-depth interviews with religious leaders from FBOs that participated in Project FAITH (Fostering AIDS Initiatives that Heal), a statewide demonstration project designed to provide HIV prevention and HIV-related stigma reduction in South Carolina. Additionally, interviews were conducted with technical assistance providers for the project. Focus groups and interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. All transcripts were imported into NVivo 8, a qualitative software program, for analysis. Analysis was conducted using grounded theory methodology to allow codes and concepts to emerge from the data.

Results: Data analysis revealed distinct facilitators for and barriers to implementing HIV prevention interventions in FBOs. Concepts that emerged as facilitators included availability of technical assistance, support from the national-level FBO, visible leadership support at the local level, congregation acceptance, integration with other programs, and availability of funding. Concepts that emerged as barriers included deficits in resources and participation and congregation resistance to the intervention.

Conclusion: In order to develop viable and sustainable HIV prevention programs for FBOs, program planners must enhance their capacity to conduct HIV prevention interventions and successfully address/overcome associated barriers.