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Abstract
Whether dating, cohabiting, engaged or married, the AIDS epidemic continues to increase at startling rates amongst heterosexuals in the African American community. This suggests that partners in sexually, intimate relationships are unaware that they have been exposed to HIV and may underestimate their risk. Though HIV testing has historically focused on individuals, the sign of the times calls for a greater focus on strategies to promote and normalize mutual HIV testing (MHT) with couples in intimate relationships. Using a Basic Qualitative Research design and Symbolic Interactionism as a theoretical perspective, this exploratory study sought to understand the attitudes, perceptions, and knowledge about HIV and mutual HIV testing within intimate relationships amongst new generation faith leaders. Ten African American seminary students were recruited from three seminaries in Georgia. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews, a participant profile, and an HIV Knowledge Scale. The data was analyzed using constant comparative, thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. The analysis revealed seven overarching findings. First, the seminarians had moderate factual knowledge yet were perceptive about the complexities of HIV in the African American community and intimate relationships. Second, the vast majority of the seminarians perceived HIV testing as beneficial and a vital part of HIV prevention. Third, most of the seminarians perceived MHT as a positive gesture with many benefits; yet they were also cognizant of the barriers associated with MHT, as well. Fourth, in general, the seminarians agreed that MHT should occur within intimate relationships; however, context played a significant role. Fifth, to promote and normalize MHT, the seminarians identified a number of strategies to include the use of the Black Church, media, policy, and schools. Sixth, the participants identified several tensions, referred to as crossroads and roadblocks, which may impede the Black Church from being actively involved in promoting MHT. Lastly, the seminarians discussed the need for more formal training, continued education, and external partnerships to aid them in promoting and normalizing MHT. Implications and recommendations for seminary curricula, practitioners who work with couples, policy that impacts couples, and future research were also discussed.