Examining relationships of intimate partner violence and food insecurity with HIV-related risk factors among young pregnant Liberian women

Gender inequities place women at an increased risk for HIV acquisition, and this association may particularly disenfranchize young pregnant women. Intimate partner violence (IPV) and food insecurity may contribute to gender differences in power, thereby influencing HIV disparities between women and men. Factors influencing gender disparities in HIV are unique and country-specific within sub-Saharan Africa, yet these factors are understudied among women in Liberia. This paper sought to examine the unique contributions and intersections of intimate partner violence (IPV) and food insecurity with HIV-related risk factors among young pregnant women in Liberia. Between March 2016 and August 2016, cross-sectional data collected from 195 women aged 18–30, residing in Monrovia, Liberia who were receiving prenatal services were used to examine the independent and interaction effects of IPV and food insecurity on HIV-related risk factors (i.e., sexual partner concurrency, economically-motivated relationships). IPV (31.3%) and food insecurity (47.7%) were prevalent. Young women who experience IPV are more likely to report food insecurity (p?ps?ps?ps?>?0.05). IPV and food insecurity each uniquely heighten young Liberian women’s vulnerability to HIV. Intervention and policy efforts are need to promote and empower women’s sexual health through integrated sexual and reproductive health services, and reduce IPV and food insecurity among pregnant Liberian women.     

The intersection of intimate partner violence and HIV risk among women engaging in transactional sex in Ugandan fishing villages

Intimate partner violence (IPV) may increase risk for HIV/AIDS among women engaging in transactional sex in Ugandan fishing communities. In this cross-sectional study, 115 women reporting engaging in transactional sex in Lake Victoria fishing communities completed a computerized interview. We tested associations between IPV and other HIV risk factors, with unprotected sex and HIV status, and tested moderators of the IPV-HIV risk relationship. Women reporting recent sexual IPV reported 3.36 times more unprotected sex acts (AdjExp[B]?=?3.36, 95% CI?=?1.29–8.69, p?=?0.07). The effect of sexual IPV on sexual risk was significantly greater among alcohol and fish sellers compared to sex workers (interaction: Exp[B]?=?12.29, 95% CI?=?5.06–29.85, p?p?=?0.02). Integrated IPV and HIV interventions are needed in this context, especially among alcohol and fish sellers engaging in transactional sex.     

Gender inequality dynamics in the prevention of a heterosexual HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa

This paper critiques the approach to the elimination of gender inequality as an HIV prevention strategy in the just ended era of the Millennium Development Goals, with the aim of contributing to the formulation of policy guidelines for sub-Saharan Africa in the Sustainable Development Goals. The aim is to underscore the mutual responsibility of women and men in achieving a sustainable HIV response and ending the epidemic. While taking into account the real vulnerability of women, prevention programmes can reflect gender dynamics more accurately so that attention is given to the role of both sexes in propagating — or stemming — a predominantly heterosexual HIV epidemic. More emphasis could be given to the harm caused to both men and women by certain norms related to masculinity and sexuality, and the subsequent need for combined efforts in reducing intimate partner violence and concurrency. The empowerment and engagement of both women and men as agents of change would need to be dealt with more creatively.     

四川省某市街头暗娼及其顾客艾滋病相关行为研究

目的了解街头暗娼及其顾客的社会人口学特征、艾滋病相关行为及其影响因素。方法以站桩点(街头暗娼聚集地)为调查现场,由街头暗娼同伴教育者识别对象,调查员主动接近并面对面匿名调查街头暗娼和男性顾客,运用SPSS 12.0进行统计分析。结果100名性服务男性顾客平均38.03岁;在街头的性交易频率为16次/年;最近1年商业性性交易中坚持使用安全套的比例14%,与艾滋病知识得分呈正相关(OR=2.25);36%的男性顾客最近1次商业性行为中使用了安全套,与年龄(OR=1.45)和艾滋病知识得分(OR=4.54)呈正相关。43名街头暗娼平均35.03岁,吸毒者比例较大(37.21%),平均每周接待客人14.07次,其服务对象多为工地工人、老年人和农民。结论街头商业性性交易频率高,安全套使用率低,应主动对街头暗娼及其顾客采取针对性干预措施。