“A LIFE THAT YOU WOULDN’T HAVE IMAGINED”: QUALITATIVE EVALUATION OF AN HIV-LIVELIHOOD-EMPOWERMENT INTERVENTION FOR SINGLE MOTHERS IN KENYA

Abstract

Women bear the overwhelming global burden of HIV/AIDS, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) where they experience significant social and economic disadvantages. Integrated HIV and livelihood programs (IHLP) simultaneously targeting health promotion and income generation are increasingly being explored as a potential public health best practice for addressing HIV/AIDS in low resource settings, yet evidence remains limited. Moreover, little is known about the participant experience or programs’ broader effects on women’s quality of life. This study examined the impact of an IHLP in Kenya utilizing qualitative interviews to explore participants’ lived experiences. Four themes and ten sub-themes emerged depicting the most salient program outcomes for women: (1) Wellbeing (Physical Health; Emotional Wellness; Spiritual Wellness), (2) Economic Security (Livelihood Skills; Assets & Resources), (3) Empowerment (Empowered Women; Empowered Mothers), and (4) Social Inclusion (Diminished Stigma; Social Support; Social Influence). Overall, results revealed dramatic transformations for many participants—from severe illness, financial instability, and social exclusion to healthy, empowered entrepreneurs considered valued family and community members. While longitudinal evaluation of program effects is needed, these qualitative findings suggest that IHLPs may meaningfully enhance the physical, emotional, economic, and social wellbeing of single mothers facing dual challenges of HIV/AIDS and extreme poverty.