Author/Authors :
Kagimu, M Makerere University - College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health - Department of Medicine, Uganda , Kagimu, M Islamic Medical Association of Uganda , Kaye, S Makerere University - School of Public Health - CDC/HIV/AIDS Fellowship Program, Uganda , Kaye, S Islamic Medical Association of Uganda, Uganda , Ainomugisha, D Islamic Medical Association of Uganda, Uganda , Lutalo, I Makerere University - School of Public Health - CDC/HIV/AIDS Fellowship Program, Uganda , Walakira, Y Islamic Medical Association of Uganda, Uganda , Guwatudde, D Makerere University - School of Public Health, Uganda , Rwabukwali, C Makerere University - Department of Sociology, Uganda , kagimu, m. islamic medical association of uganda,uganda,makerere university school of public health,uganda,department of medicine, Uganda , kaye, s. islamic medical association of uganda,uganda, Uganda , ainomugisha, d. , lutalo, i. , walakira, y. , guwatudde, d. , rwabukwali, c. department of sociology, Uganda
Abstract :
Background: The Islamic Medical Association of Uganda, has been implementing the faith-based approach to HIV prevention without baseline data on expected positive outcomes. Objectives: To establish evidence-based baseline data on expected positive outcomes of the faith-based approach to HIV prevention. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 15-24 year-old youths was analyzed for significant associations between HIV infections, risky behaviors, and religiosity. Results: HIV prevalence was 3.6% among Christians and 2.4% among Muslims. Abstaining from sex among teenagers was at 54% for Christians and 58% for Muslims. Being faithful in marriage among males was at 41% for Christians and 34% for Muslims and among females it was 65% for Christians and 69% for Muslims. Praying privately was associated with lower HIV infections and was observed among 60% of Christians. Sujda, the hyperpigmented marker of regular prayers on the forehead of Muslims was associated with lower HIV infections and observed in 42% of them. Ever drank alcohol was associated with higher HIV prevalence and observed in 52% of Christians and 17% of Muslims. Male circumcision rates were 15% for Christians and 98% for Muslims. Conclusion: A sero-behavioral-religiosity survey can provide evidence-based data for monitoring and evaluation of the faith-based approach to HIV prevention.
Keywords :
Evidence , based , monitoring and evaluation , faith , based approach , HIV prevention , Muslims , Christians.
