Perceptions of HIV/AIDS Testing Among Urban and Rural African American Church Members

The prevalence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to affect African Americans (AA) disproportionately.  Previous studies have indicated that targeting nontraditional entities, such as the AA church, can be effective in encouraging community awareness, correlating to improved  mental and physical health, and delivering messages that cultivate the acquisition of safer sexual practices and promote regular HIV/AIDS testing among AAs.  The purpose of this mixed methods study was to examine the perceptions of HIV/AIDS testing and knowledge amongst urban and rural AA church members.  The theoretical framework was based on the health belief model (HBM).  The sample consisted of 236 participants selected from two AA churches located in a large city (122 participants) and rural town (114 participants) in the Deep South.  Correlational and inferential statistical procedures, including multiple regression analysis and t test, were used to compare variables among the urban and rural AA church members.  The findings of this study indicated high rates of HIV/AIDS testing among the urban church participants and only average rates among the rural church participants.  Although the perceptions of HIV/AIDS testing among the urban and rural AA church participants was not based on the AA church, the results suggest that the AA church is well-placed to provide support and become involved in health promotion and prevention efforts in order to reduce the rate of HIV infection among AAs, particularly in rural areas.  The rates of testing and knowledge of HIV/AIDS must continually be examined among AAs of all socioeconomic status.