![59_cover100_18](https://www.hivplusmag.com/media-library/59-cover100-18.jpg?id=32675943&width=1200&height=1608)
Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
HIVers who say religion is an important part of their lives are likely to have fewer sexual partners and engage in high-risk sexual behavior less frequently than other people with the virus, according to a study issued in April by the RAND Corp. As a result, the Santa Monica, Calif.'based research organization concludes, people with HIV who have strong religious ties are less likely to spread the virus. David Kanouse, a behavioral scientist and principal investigator on the project, says the study did not identify what specific component of religiosity made a difference in sexual activity. However, he says two factors'moral beliefs and membership in a faith community'may be important. 'Moral beliefs may indicate an underlying altruism and a desire to make sure no one else is infected with HIV,' Kanouse says. 'Promoting these feelings could then be used as a component of HIV prevention programs.' 'These are some significant findings about the role of religiosity in the lives of people who are HIV-positive,' says Frank H. Galvan, lead author of the study, which was published in February in The Journal of Sex Research. 'The next step is to find out how can we use this information in a way that can help lower the rate of spreading HIV to others.' Religion remains a dominant force in America today, Galvan says, but the primary focus for many people of faith is sexual abstinence'rather than examining how else religious beliefs might help to prevent the further spread of HIV. 'This study suggests that there's a role for religious institutions to play in the fight against the spread of HIV,' he adds. 'They have these core belief systems that do have a positive impact on the lives of people who are HIV-positive and who are sexually active. Religiosity is an untapped resource in the whole struggle against HIV and should be looked at more thoroughly.' Researchers studied a nationally representative sample of 1,421 people getting medical care for HIV; 932 of them reported recent sexual activity. Catholics were less likely than other mainline Christians, non-Christians, and nonreligious people to report unprotected sex. Catholics also were less likely to report high-risk sex than other mainline Christians and reported fewer partners than non-Christians. There was no statistical difference between Evangelicals and Catholics in reported sexual activity. Evangelicals were as likely as Catholics to have fewer sexual partners and equally likely to engage less frequently in unprotected and high-risk sex. Other studies have found that gay men report a rate of attendance at religious services similar to that cited by heterosexual men and about the same rate in the frequency of prayer as do heterosexual women. African-Americans, who have been disproportionately affected by HIV, also report high levels of both attendance at religious services and prayer. The researchers say they don't understand why there were differences between the different denominations, including why Catholics were more likely to use condoms despite the Catholic Church's prohibition on birth control, but believe it is a point worthy of additional research and further exploration by faith-based groups. 'Although the pope may issue a proclamation on some aspect of sexual behavior, Catholics increasingly are inclined to consider their individual consciences as sources of moral authority,' the study notes. 'What role this may play in the sexual behaviors of Catholics and how this may differ from other religious groups warrants further investigation.'
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Before AIDS, gay artist Rex drew hot men on the prowl — then he disappeared
April 11 2024 3:15 PM
Diets that mimic fasting reverse aging: study
March 07 2024 5:28 PM
PrEP without a prescription now a reality in California
February 06 2024 8:37 PM
Injectable HIV treatment, prevention: Everything you need to know
March 26 2024 3:28 PM
8 dating tips for gay men from a gay therapist
March 21 2024 2:50 PM
Happy national foreskin day!
April 04 2024 1:45 PM
The science behind U=U has been liberating people with HIV for years
June 04 2024 3:31 PM
Scarlet fever: exploring our fascination with blood
March 13 2024 1:47 PM
On Anal Sex Day, crack up with The Bottom's Digest
April 18 2024 10:22 AM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
Activist and philanthropist Bruce Bastian dies at 76
June 26 2024 1:28 PM
Yes, HIV-positive people can safely breastfeed
June 26 2024 12:59 PM
Exclusive: We kiki with Q from 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
June 24 2024 11:37 AM
Court rules to keep PrEP coverage under Obamacare
June 21 2024 5:42 PM
In honor of Juneteenth 2024, meet The Normal Anomaly
June 19 2024 1:39 PM
What is Juneteenth?
June 19 2024 11:30 AM
As Pride party season begins, the CDC urges mpox vaccinations
May 16 2024 6:52 PM
Advocacy in action with AIDSWatch
May 09 2024 12:30 PM
The Talk: Thriving with HIV
May 08 2024 10:45 AM
The Talk: What HIV isn’t
May 07 2024 10:48 AM
The Talk: Finding balance with HIV
May 06 2024 10:51 AM
Justice Dept plans to reschedule marijuana as a lower-risk drug
May 03 2024 2:40 PM
The Talk: Starting your journey with HIV
May 03 2024 2:00 PM
Why is a mother’s mental health so important? A doctor explains
May 01 2024 1:38 PM
Walmart to close all of its health care clinics
April 30 2024 12:30 PM
Vampire facial spa infected several women with HIV
April 29 2024 7:26 PM