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

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.