Faith and Health Connection

Bishop Tutu talks about the connection between faith and health.

http://www.eni.ch/featured/article.php?id=1925

AIDS and the Black Church

One of the most devastating health problems affecting our world right now is HIV/AIDS. According to a report from the National HIV Prevention Conference, at the end of 2003, over 1 million people were living with HIV/AIDS in the US alone. This epidemic is affecting people worldwide regardless of race, religion, or creed. However, in 2006, almost 50% of the people living with AIDS/HIV in the US  were African American. So why is it is more widespread in the Black community than other communities? Is it due to poverty? Access to care?  Education level? One would suspect things like these, since we know most health disparities are directly related to factors of socioeconomic status. And while all these factors play a part in the disease epidemic, there are many other players. In my health behavior class, we talked about the influence of sociocultural factors on health behaviors. Sociocultural factors are anything that involves the society in which an individual interacts with or any beliefs, social forms, and traits specific to a particular group. They are not easily changed because there is a stronger connection in one’s beliefs and their behavioral practices.

One of the problems that arise is the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS and the readiness of people willing to discuss it in their communities and church congregations. The church, specifically in the Black community, has also been seen as a cornerstone in the community. And now we need to be the place where people are welcome with open arms, open hearts, and open minds to talk about HIV/AIDS and be a part of the solution! Dr. Davies, professor of Health Behavior at UAB, talked about a conference she attended called “Building Bridges” through a Meharry Medical School and Vanderbilt School of Medicine Alliance. Many clergy and scientists collaborated on ways to fight this epidemic, specifically in the African American community. 

As a public health student, I strongly advise talking about these issues, especially in our faith communities.  Start HIV/AIDS ministries at your church for those affected in your community. Hold health education sessions on ways to prevent HIV/AIDS. 

To read more about the conference:

http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/reporter/index.html?ID=6380.

To view statistics on HIV/AIDS:

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/surveillance/basic.htm.