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Missed opportunities for religious organizations to support people living with HIV/AIDS: findings from Tanzania.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Watt, MH; Maman, S; Jacobson, M; Laiser, J; John, M
Published in: AIDS patient care and STDs
May 2009

Religious beliefs play an important role in the lives of Tanzanians, but little is known about the influence of religion for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This study shares perspectives of PLWHA and identifies opportunities for religious organizations to support the psychological well-being of this group. Data were collected in 2006 and 2007 through semistructured interviews with 36 clients (8 Muslims and 28 Christians) receiving free antiretrovirals (ARVs) in Arusha, Tanzania. Swahili-speaking interviewers asked about participation in religion, change in religious engagement since HIV diagnosis, and what role faith plays in living with HIV and taking ARVs. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, translated, and analyzed using Atlas t.i. The findings revealed that patients' personal faith positively influenced their experiences living with HIV, but that religious organizations had neutral or negative influences. On the positive side, prayer gave hope to live with HIV, and religious faith increased after diagnosis. Some respondents said that prayer supported their adherence to medications. On the other hand, few disclosed their HIV status in their religious communities, expressing fear of stigma. Most had heard that prayer can cure HIV, and two expected to be cured. While it was common to hear messages about HIV prevention from churches or mosques, few had heard messages about living with HIV. The findings point to missed opportunities by religious organizations to support PLWHA, particularly the need to ensure that messages about HIV are not stigmatizing; share information about HIV treatment; introduce role models of PLWHA; and emphasize that prayers and medical care go hand-in-hand.

Duke Scholars

Published In

AIDS patient care and STDs

DOI

EISSN

1557-7449

ISSN

1087-2914

Publication Date

May 2009

Volume

23

Issue

5

Start / End Page

389 / 394

Related Subject Headings

  • Virology
  • Tanzania
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Stereotyping
  • Social Support
  • Religion and Psychology
  • Patient Compliance
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Islam
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
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Watt, M. H., Maman, S., Jacobson, M., Laiser, J., & John, M. (2009). Missed opportunities for religious organizations to support people living with HIV/AIDS: findings from Tanzania. AIDS Patient Care and STDs, 23(5), 389–394. https://doi.org/10.1089/apc.2008.0195
Watt, Melissa H., Suzanne Maman, Mark Jacobson, John Laiser, and Muze John. “Missed opportunities for religious organizations to support people living with HIV/AIDS: findings from Tanzania.AIDS Patient Care and STDs 23, no. 5 (May 2009): 389–94. https://doi.org/10.1089/apc.2008.0195.
Watt MH, Maman S, Jacobson M, Laiser J, John M. Missed opportunities for religious organizations to support people living with HIV/AIDS: findings from Tanzania. AIDS patient care and STDs. 2009 May;23(5):389–94.
Watt, Melissa H., et al. “Missed opportunities for religious organizations to support people living with HIV/AIDS: findings from Tanzania.AIDS Patient Care and STDs, vol. 23, no. 5, May 2009, pp. 389–94. Epmc, doi:10.1089/apc.2008.0195.
Watt MH, Maman S, Jacobson M, Laiser J, John M. Missed opportunities for religious organizations to support people living with HIV/AIDS: findings from Tanzania. AIDS patient care and STDs. 2009 May;23(5):389–394.
Journal cover image

Published In

AIDS patient care and STDs

DOI

EISSN

1557-7449

ISSN

1087-2914

Publication Date

May 2009

Volume

23

Issue

5

Start / End Page

389 / 394

Related Subject Headings

  • Virology
  • Tanzania
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Stereotyping
  • Social Support
  • Religion and Psychology
  • Patient Compliance
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Islam