Influence of faith-based organisations on HIV prevention strategies in Africa: A systematic review.

Abstract

Background: The HIV/AIDS epidemic remains of global significance and there is a need to target sub-Saharan Africa since it is the hardest hit region worldwide. Religion, and more specifically faith-based organisations, can have an effect on socio-cultural factors that increase or decrease the risk of infection in society; and offer preventative interventions to their followers or the wider community. Objective: To understand the influence of faith-based organisations on HIV prevention in Africa. Method: The Bournemouth University (UK) the main search engine of a British university ‘mysearch’ was used as this incorporates all relevant databases. Studies were also retrieved by searches within Google scholar, PubMed, the British Library and reference lists of included papers and citations in key papers were hand searched. The authors assessed the relevance of each article separately against the inclusion criteria. The data extraction form was piloted by the first author and the other two authors cross-checked the extracted data and necessary amendments were made after discussions. Results: Seven studies met all inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Five were qualitative, one systematic and one of quantitative methodology. Seven individual themes were identified. However, for the purposes of focus within this paper only two themes will be focused on. Conclusion: Given the accessibility of FBOs and the coverage of religion among the population, FBOs are potentially important players in HIV prevention and are often in the forefront of responding to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Therefore, more resources and support should be given to support their strategies to deliver health promotion messages.