Study Finds Religiosity Can Be Important Tool in Preventing Spread of HIV-AIDS

SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 5, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) - HIV-positive people who say religion is an important part of their lives are likely to have fewer sexual partners and engage in high-risk sexual behavior less frequently than other people with the virus that causes AIDS, according to a study issued today by the RAND Corporation.

As a result, people with HIV who have stronger religious ties are less likely to spread the virus, according to the study by the nonprofit research organization.

"Moral beliefs may indicate an underlying altruism and a desire to make sure no one else is infected with HIV," Kanouse said. "Promoting these feelings could then be used as a component of HIV prevention programs."

Researchers studied a nationally representative sample of 1,421 people getting medical care for HIV - 932 of whom reported recent sexual activity.