267838 Hispanic Faith Leaders' Knowledge towards HIV/AIDS Epidemic: A Cross-sectional Study

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 : 8:50 AM - 9:10 AM

Lorinet Martell-Martínez, BS, MPH-MCH , Graduate School of Public Health/Maternal and Child Health Program, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR
José Guzmán-Pereira, BS, MPH-MCH , Graduate School of Public Health - Maternal and Child Health Program, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR
Victor Emanuel Reyes-Ortiz, PhDc , Maternal and Child Health Program, University of Puerto Rico, School of Public Health, San Juan, PR
René R. Dávila-Torres, MS, DBA, PhD , Maternal and Child Health Program, Puerto Rico School of Public Health, San Juan, PR
Background: The transmission of bloodborne HIV virus is currently contributing to high rates of morbidities and mortality worldwide. Lack of knowledge among population contributes to its transmission and increases health care services needs. Latino communities have higher rates of HIV and faith-based institution leaders can help fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Objective: Our study aimed to determine HIV/AIDS knowledge and the factors predicting it among religious leaders. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed during a Hispanic international faith community convention. A total of 148 leaders from more than 15 countries and different leadership strata were interviewed in order to assess HIV knowledge. Determinants of which factors could predict the knowledge of HIV/AIDS was analyzed by forward multiple linear regression with age, education, income and type of credentials as independent variables. Results: The median age was 49 years, 56.8% were male and 43.5% have a college degree. A total of 67.5% had a high HIV/AIDS knowledge. However, gaps in knowledge regarding transmission were observed. Regression analysis showed that only education level was a significant factor predicting the knowledge of HIV/AIDS in faith leaders (p<0.05). Conclusion: Although Hispanic religious leaders seem to have a high HIV/AIDS knowledge, knowledge regarding transmission of the epidemic require health intervention. Regression analysis points that educational level of these leaders is impacting their knowledge and thus call for action of are required. In order to faith leaders to contribute to a social justice change, close attention has to be brought to those with less education.

Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health education
Diversity and culture
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related education
Public health or related public policy
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Demonstrate the factors associated with the knowledge of faith leaders towards HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Keywords: Faith Community, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a graduate student with 2.5 years experience in research and investigation. I have presented before in conference of public health. Among my interest topics are: Faith-Based Communities and Health, STD Prevention in adolescents, Maternal and Child Health
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.