Faith leaders\u27 comfort implementing an HIV prevention curriculum in a faith setting

YOUR Blessed Health (YBH) is a faith-based HIV prevention pilot program designed to increase faith-based organizations\u27 capacity to address HIV/AIDS among African American congregations. Faith leaders (e.g., pastors, pastors\u27 spouses) were trained to deliver youth and adult HIV education sessions. Perceptions of comfort with discussing 11 sexual health topics were assessed after program implementation. Twenty-nine faith leaders self-reported their comfort discussing sexual behaviors, sexual communication, and sexual abuse. Overall, faith leaders were comfortable discussing these sexual health topics; however, denominational and leadership role differences were found. These findings suggest African American faith leaders are willing to lead faith-based HIV prevention efforts, but that consideration of denominational differences and organizational roles in faith-based health promotion programs is critical. © Meharry Medical College