Sociology and behaviour of West African blood donors: the impact of religion on human immunodeficiency virus infection

Background and Objectives Ghana is one of the countries of sub‐Saharan Africa where the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence in blood donors ranges between 1 and 4%. Considering the social importance of religion and the very high level of religious practice observed in Ghana, the hypothesis that these factors may play a role in containing HIV was tested. Materials and Methods Consenting HIV‐infected candidate blood donors, and two age‐ and gender‐matched seronegative control donors, were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their religious and sexual behaviour. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used. Results Irrespective of their HIV status or religion, 95% of the respondents believed that extra‐marital sex was a sin, and 79% of those tempted to have an extra‐marital affair considered that their religious beliefs helped them to abstain. In the multivariable models, having a formal role in church activities was associated with reduced odds of HIV [odds ratio (OR) = 0·41; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0·21–0·80]. Worshipping at the same location for more than 20 years was associated with a reduced risk (OR = 0·30; 95% CI: 0·08–1·10). In addition to other factors limiting HIV spread, such as male circumcision, relatively high level of education and an absence of armed conflicts in Ghana, the use of condoms conferred a reduced risk. Conclusions An active role in religion, and reporting a lengthy duration of worship at the same place was beneficial. Collecting blood at places of worship with a strict behavioural code and from donors practicing in the community of their birth might improve blood safety.