Religion and HIV diagnosis among A fricans living in L ondon

Objectives The aim of the paper was to describe the association of religion with HIV outcomes in newly diagnosed A fricans living in L ondon. Methods A survey of newly diagnosed HIV ‐positive A fricans attending 15 HIV treatment centres across L ondon was carried out between A pril 2004 and F ebruary 2006. Confidential self‐completed questionnaires were used, linked to clinical records. Bivariate analyses were conducted to ascertain whether religious beliefs were associated with late diagnosis, antiretroviral therapy, and immunological and virological outcome 6 months post diagnosis. Results A total of 246 Black A fricans were eligible and included in the analysis: 62.6% were women, and the median age was 34 years. The median CD 4 count at diagnosis was 194 cells/ μL (range 0–1334 cells/ μL ) and 75.6% presented late, as defined as a CD 4 count < 350 cells/ μL . Most participants were religious: non‐ R oman C atholic C hristians (55.7%), R oman C atholics (35.2%) and M uslims (6.1%). Only 1.2% stated that they did not have a religion. Participants who attended religious services at least monthly were more likely to believe that ‘faith alone can cure HIV ‘ than those who attended less frequently (37.7% vs. 15.0%; P  = 0.002). A small proportion (5.2%) believed that taking antiretroviral therapy implied a lack of faith in God. Bivariate analysis found no relationship between religiousness (as measured using frequency of attendance at religious services and religious attitudes or beliefs) and late diagnosis, changes in CD 4 count/viral load 6 months post diagnosis, or initiation of antiretroviral therapy. Conclusions Strong religious beliefs about faith and healing are unlikely to act as a barrier to accessing HIV testing or antiretroviral treatment for Black Africans living in L ondon.