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Sociology and behaviour of West African blood donors: the impact of religion on human immunodeficiency virus infection
Author(s) -
Allain J.P.,
Anokwa M.,
Casbard A.,
OwusuOfori S.,
DennisAntwi J.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
vox sanguinis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.68
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1423-0410
pISSN - 0042-9007
DOI - 10.1111/j.1423-0410.2004.00578.x
Subject(s) - human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , virology , immunology , medicine
Background and Objectives Ghana is one of the countries of sub‐Saharan Africa where the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence in blood donors ranges between 1 and 4%. Considering the social importance of religion and the very high level of religious practice observed in Ghana, the hypothesis that these factors may play a role in containing HIV was tested. Materials and Methods Consenting HIV‐infected candidate blood donors, and two age‐ and gender‐matched seronegative control donors, were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their religious and sexual behaviour. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used. Results Irrespective of their HIV status or religion, 95% of the respondents believed that extra‐marital sex was a sin, and 79% of those tempted to have an extra‐marital affair considered that their religious beliefs helped them to abstain. In the multivariable models, having a formal role in church activities was associated with reduced odds of HIV [odds ratio (OR) = 0·41; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0·21–0·80]. Worshipping at the same location for more than 20 years was associated with a reduced risk (OR = 0·30; 95% CI: 0·08–1·10). In addition to other factors limiting HIV spread, such as male circumcision, relatively high level of education and an absence of armed conflicts in Ghana, the use of condoms conferred a reduced risk. Conclusions An active role in religion, and reporting a lengthy duration of worship at the same place was beneficial. Collecting blood at places of worship with a strict behavioural code and from donors practicing in the community of their birth might improve blood safety.