Religiosity and Engagement in HIV Care Among African American People Living with HIV

HIV continues to disproportionately impact Black/African Americans. New and innovative strategies are needed to increase and enhance engagement in HIV care. The Black/African American church is a powerful institution with the potential to enhance HIV care among congregants. This study examines perceptions on incorporating religiosity into engagement in HIV care for African Americans living with HIV among Black/African Americans persons living with HIV, church leaders and members, and HIV health and service providers. Findings indicated Black/African Americans living with HIV would be willing to engage in religiously tailored, joint church-health initiatives to increase engagement in care. Church leaders and members and HIV health and service providers also reported a willingness to provide religiously tailored services, and that providing these services would be both acceptable and feasible for implementation. These findings should be considered in future research designed to enhance engagement in HIV care for Black/African Americans living with HIV.