Keywords

African Americans, faith communities, health disparities, HIV/AIDS, prevention

 

Authors

  1. Hicks, Kandree E. MPS
  2. Allen, Josephine A. PhD
  3. Wright, Ednita M. PhD

Abstract

Holistic prevention strategies are increasingly more effective in eradicating the national human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) health crisis, which disproportionately affects African Americans. Faith communities have been integral in advancing African American community welfare; however, little is understood about their evolving role in HIV prevention. This article reports the findings from a study conducted in Washington, DC, that identifies the factors that shape the holistic development of HIV/AIDS-prevention programs within African American faith communities. By providing policy recommendations, the research illuminated a useful theoretic framework and opportunities to more holistically address current social and structural challenges in prevention efforts among faith-health leaders in similar environments.