Religious leaders as potential advocates for HIV/AIDS prevention among the general population in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Religious leaders in Sri Lanka may have a high potential of contributing to HIV/AIDS prevention among the general public because of their social status. In order to assess their current HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and attitude and the possibility of becoming community advocates of HIV/AIDS prevention, we conducted a questionnaire survey among Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian leaders in Sri Lanka in 2009. There were limited correct responses about HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and attitudes toward people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), and information regarding condoms, HIV testing and counselling were poorly understood. Although a condom was less acceptable as a part of HIV/AIDS prevention, they were willing to learn more about HIV/AIDS and expressed support for both PLHIV and HIV prevention activities. Their experiences, preparedness and willingness of HIV prevention activities were associated with age, knowledge and/or religious background. In conclusion, intensive and systematic learning opportunities should be provided to equip the religious leaders with overall HIV/AIDS knowledge to become key players for HIV/AIDS prevention in their communities.

Keywords:

• religious leader
• HIV/AIDS
• advocate
• attitude
• Sri Lanka

Acknowledgements

The study would not have been completed without kind assistance from local counterparts. For the questionnaire development, especially the understanding of the Buddhist context among Buddhist monks, Rev. Dr. M. Ananda, Senior lecturer of the Department of Pali and Buddhist studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya, kindly instructed us as an expert for health and religion to integrate religious context and the sensitiveness of HIV/AIDS issues in the self-administered questionnaire format. In addition, for the study implementation among Buddhist monks, special advice was given by Rev. Dr. M. Gnanananda, Head of the Department of Pali and Buddhist studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya. The overall study assistance (questionnaire development, logistic, study implementation) among Tamil and Muslim leaders was given by Ms. P. Shoba, Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya, and her colleagues.