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

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.