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. 2011;6(1):41-55.
doi: 10.1080/17441692.2010.486764.

The AIDS-related activities of religious leaders in Malawi

J Trinitapoli  1
Affiliations

The AIDS-related activities of religious leaders in Malawi

J Trinitapoli. Glob Public Health. 2011.

Abstract

The AIDS-related activities of religious leaders in Africa extend far beyond preaching about sexual mortality. This study aims to quantify the involvement of religious leaders in the fight against AIDS and to identify key predictors of the types of prevention strategies they promote. Using data from a random sample of Christian and Muslim leaders in Malawi, I use logistic regression to predict six types of AIDS activities, which correspond to three distinct types: formal messages (i.e., preaching), pragmatic interventions (monitoring the sexual behaviour of members and advising divorce to avoid infection) and the promotion of biomedical prevention strategies (promoting condom use and testing for HIV). Preaching about AIDS is the most common prevention activity and promoting condom use is the least; sizable proportions of clergy promote testing and engage in pragmatic interventions. Denominational patterns in the type of engagement are weak and inconsistent. However, inquiries into the motivation for leaders' activities show that discussions with members about AIDS are the most consistent predictor, suggesting that religious leaders' engagement with HIV prevention is primarily a demand-driven phenomenon.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
AIDS Prevention Activities by Religous Tradition Source: MRP, 2005, N=187 C=Catholic; M=Mission Protestant; P=Pentecostal; A=AIC; I=Muslim; N=New Mission Protestant
Figure 2
Figure 2
Examining Prevention Activities by Three Types of Motivation Source: MRP 2005, N=187 Perception of AIDS Problem ranges from 0 (not a problem) to 3 (single biggest problem) Member Discussions of AIDS ranges from 0 (never) to 4 (every week)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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