Promoting Mutual HIV Testing in the Black Church and Beyond: Perspectives from Black/African American Seminarians

Background

Nearly 18% of Americans are unaware of their HIV status, and blacks/African Americans (blacks) are disproportionately affected. Routine HIV testing is a critical step in HIV prevention and has been recommended as part of routine health care in the United States (U.S.). Mutual HIV testing (MHT) supports heterosexual and same-sex couples testing together, but has not yet been widely studied in the U.S.  Given the burden of HIV among blacks and the churches’ central role in black culture, we explored strategies to promote MHT among couples attending Black Churches.

Methods

Using an exploratory, descriptive qualitative research design, we conducted individual interviews with black seminarians in the southern U.S.  Transcribed interviews were entered into Atlas.ti 6.2 and analyzed using a constant comparative, thematic approach to identify main themes. 

Results

Five male and five female seminarians participated (mean age 38.4 years; range 24-56); all 10 (100%) supported MHT. Seven faith denominations were represented.  Three main themes emerged regarding the promotion of MHT: 1) church-based approaches that engage clergy, laypersons, and existing ministries are vital (e.g., premarital and couples’ counseling); 2) perceived tensions or obstacles about MHT may prohibit action by clergy (e.g. concerns about offending congregants), and; 3) it may be necessary to reach beyond the church for additional support (e.g., policies, media and schools).

Conclusion

This sample of black seminarians supported MHT among couples and perceived the Black Church as being instrumental in promoting MHT among couples who attend these venues.  Partnerships with other sectors should be explored for possible MHT collaborative efforts.