The Role of a Microfinance Program on HIV Risk Behavior Among Haitian Women |
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Authors: | Molly S Rosenberg Brian K Seavey Reginal Jules Trace S Kershaw |
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Institution: | (1) School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College St., New Haven, CT 06520, USA;(2) Department of Social Impact, Fonkoze, Limbe, Haiti;(3) School of Public Health and Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA |
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Abstract: | Microfinance loans targeted at vulnerable female populations have the potential to foster female economic independence, possibly
leading to the negotiation of safer sexual practices and reduced HIV risk. This study assessed the relationship between experience
with microfinance loans and HIV risk behavior among 192 female clients of the Haitian microfinance organization Fonkoze. Clients
with longer microfinance experience were generally found to have lower indicators of HIV risk behavior and higher indicators
of relationship power compared to those with shorter experience. In particular, those with longer memberships were 72% less
likely to report partner infidelity, were 3.95 times more likely to use condoms with an unfaithful partner, and had higher
average general power index scores compared to those with shorter experience. This study provides evidence that long-term
exposure to microfinance is associated with reduced HIV risk behavior in Haitian women and that this reduction may be partly
regulated by influencing relationship power. These results suggest the need to further explore the use of microfinance as
a tool to prevent the spread of HIV. |
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