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Marriage as a risk factor for HIV: learning from the experiences of HIV-infected women in Malawi.
Marriage as a risk factor for HIV: learning from the experiences of HIV-infected women in Malawi.
- Source :
-
Global public health [Glob Public Health] 2013; Vol. 8 (2), pp. 187-201. Date of Electronic Publication: 2013 Jan 28. - Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- The gender inequalities that characterise intimate partner relationships in Malawi, a country with one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world, arguably place marriage as an important risk factor for HIV infection among women, yet few studies detail the complex interactions of marriage and risk. In order to develop HIV-prevention interventions that have lasting impacts in such communities, we need a deeper understanding of the intricacies of women's lives, how and why they are involved in marital relationships, and the implications of these relationships for HIV transmission or prevention. This article describes how women understand marriage's effects on their lives and their HIV risks. Drawing from focus group discussions with 72 women attending antiretroviral clinics in Malawi, we explore why women enter marriage, what women's experiences are within marriage and how they leave spouses for other relationships. Based on their narratives, we describe women's lives after separation, abandonment or widowhood, and report their reflections on marriage after being married two or three times. We then review women's narratives in light of published work on HIV, and provide recommendations that would minimise the risks of HIV attendant on marriage.
- Subjects :
- Adult
Anti-HIV Agents therapeutic use
Domestic Violence economics
Domestic Violence trends
Female
Feminism
Focus Groups
HIV Infections drug therapy
HIV Infections epidemiology
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Malawi epidemiology
Marriage psychology
Marriage statistics & numerical data
Middle Aged
Poverty
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Women's Health economics
Women's Rights economics
Young Adult
HIV Infections transmission
Marriage trends
Sexual Behavior
Women's Health trends
Women's Rights trends
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1744-1706
- Volume :
- 8
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Global public health
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 23350930
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/17441692.2012.761261