Religiosity for HIV prevention in Uganda: a case study among Christian youth in Wakiso district.

BACKGROUND Utilization of religious institutions is one of the strategies for HIV prevention in Uganda. There is limited data on the association between religiosity and HIV infection rates. OBJECTIVE To determine the association between religiosity and HIV prevalence rates among Christians. METHODS An unmatched case-control study was done. Data from 106 HIV positive cases and 424 HIV negative controls between 15- 24 years were analyzed. RESULTS Lower religiosity was associated with higher HIV infection rates when the following dimensions were analyzed: feeling guided by God in daily activities (odds ratio 1.90, 95%CI 1.03-3.50, p=0.035), feeling thankful for God's blessings (odds ratio 1.76, 95%CI 1.01-3.11, p=0.042), praying privately (odds ratio 2.02, 95%CI 1.30-3.11, p=0.001), trying hard to be patient in life (odds ratio1.74, 95%CI 1.07-2.84, p=0.024) and trying hard to love God (odds ratio 1.57, 95%CI 1.01-2.42, p=0.039). Higher HIV infection rates were associated with having multiple life-time sexual partners (odds ratio 5.37, 95%CI 1.86-15.47, p<0.001), ever drinking alcohol (odds ratio 2.28, 95%CI 1.43-3.65, p<0.001) and ever using narcotics for recreation (odds ratio 2.49, 95%CI 1.14-5.44, p=0.018). CONCLUSION Lower levels of several dimensions religiosity are significantly associated with higher HIV infection rates. This data supports strengthening religiosity in HIV prevention strategies.