Evaluation of the effectiveness of AIDS health education interventions in the Muslim community in Uganda.

In 1992 the Islamic Medical Association of Uganda designed an AIDS prevention project and conducted a baseline survey prior to community level activities. Results of that baseline were previously reported in this journal. During 2 years of prevention activities in local Muslim communities, 23 trainers educated over 3,000 religious leaders and their assistants, who in turn educated their communities on AIDS during home visits and at religious gatherings. After 2 years, there was a significant increase in correct knowledge of HIV transmission, methods of preventing HIV infection and the risk associated with ablution of the dead and unsterile circumcision (p < 0.001). There was a significant reduction in self-reported sexual partners among the young respondents less than 45 years. In addition there was a significant increase in self-reported condom use among males in urban areas (p < 0.001). Collaboration between health professionals and religious leaders can be achieved and can contribute to the success of AIDS prevention efforts.