Online Program

284729
Church and community members' satisfaction with HIV screening in African American churches


Monday, November 4, 2013 : 12:50 p.m. - 1:10 p.m.

Carole Bowe Thompson, BS, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
Jannette Berkley-Patton, PhD, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
Marcie Berman, M.A., Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
Andrea Bradley-Ewing, MPA, MA, Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
Only 45% of African Americans get tested for HIV each year, and those who don't know their status significantly contribute to new HIV cases. There is a tremendous need to increase access to routine HIV screening to more African Americans. The Black church remains a cornerstone of influence, trust, and support for the African American community; however, few studies have examined receipt of church-based HIV testing among church members and the community members they serve. Our faith-academic-health-based partnership, Taking It to the Pews, used a community-engaged approach to examine church-based HIV testing and church/community members' satisfaction with the testing process. A total of 542 participants (N = 417 church; 125 community members; mean age=41.X years) in four African American churches completed surveys consisting of measures on their receipt of HIV testing satisfaction with church-based HIV screening. Overall, 310 church and community members were screened for HIV at 12 months. Regarding church-based HIV testing satisfaction, 94% of participants felt that the HIV testing was offered privately and compassionately; 91% were satisfied-very satisfied with their church's testing events; and 87% were satisfied-very satisfied with the HIV information offered. Also, 88% reported they were encouraged to get tested because HIV was openly and regularly discussed at their church, and 80% believed their test results would be kept confidential. We will further discuss church/community members' satisfaction with church-based HIV testing, church leaders' coordination of church-based HIV testing events, health agency partners' role in providing screening, and strategies to promote screening in church settings.

Learning Areas:

Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Chronic disease management and prevention
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Program planning
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Describe the Taking It to the Pews Intervention and church-based testing events and activities. Discuss church-based testing strategies offered through intervention activities. Discuss the need for strong community partnerships to ensure testing access.

Keyword(s): HIV/AIDS, Faith Community

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: : I have over 20 years of experience leading non-profit organizations and working with faith based organizations. My leadership has provided agency oversight, partnership building, fund development and creative development of community health education programming focusing on HIV, Youth Development and Health and Wellness. For the past 7 years I have assisted the development CBPR partnerships with academic research institutions responding to the health disparities that affect the African American community.
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.