# Faith Leaders’ Perspectives on Involvement in HIV Prevention for Urban Black Youth in New Jersey, USA

## TL;DR

This study explores how faith leaders in a high-HIV-risk urban area in New Jersey view their role in preventing HIV among Black youth.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into how religious perspectives can be integrated into HIV prevention strategies for Black youth.

## Key findings

- Faith leaders emphasized the importance of addressing sex and HIV in their communities.
- They identified challenges in discussing sexual health with youth due to cultural and religious norms.
- Religious principles were seen as a potential tool for HIV prevention among Black youth.

## Abstract

This qualitative study takes place in an urban community that has high rates of HIV among Black youth. Six faith leaders were interviewed (five identified as Christian and one identified as Muslim). Three major themes arose from the interviews, including (1) the role of sex and HIV; (2) hindrances to sexual health conversations with youth; and (3) considering religious principles to prevent HIV in Black youth. Findings from this study can be used to inform an HIV-prevention curriculum for Black youth who identify strongly with their religion and spirituality and live in high HIV-risk communities.