Churches can help increase HIV testing in South African men

An HIV testing campaign conducted within South African churches successfully recruited 43% of the congregation for HIV testing on campaign days and was most successful at reaching men and particularly men who had never tested before. HIV testing rates were significantly higher among men than women, with 52% deciding to test versus 40% of women. In addition, a higher proportion of men (35%) than women (18%) were first-time testers.

Men historically have very low rates of HIV testing and are considered a hard-to-reach population for HIV services. In South Africa, just 78% of men living with HIV know their status compared to 89% of HIV-positive women and innovative interventions are needed to bridge the gap. Previous research reveals low rates of HIV testing among men for three reasons: fear of damaging their reputation and loss of masculinity; fear of possible community rejection; and fear of losing emotional control from the psychological burden of knowing they are HIV-positive…..more