Autonomy and susceptibility to HIV/AIDS among young women living in a slum in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Abstract

In Brazil in the last decade there has been an increase in the susceptibility of young women to HIV. This study explored the link between autonomy, or control over major domains of economic, social and sexual life, and susceptibility to HIV infection among poor young women living in an urban slum area of Brazil. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on a random sample of 356 young women between 15 and 24 years old. The study found that indicators of autonomy that relate to sexuality, mobility and freedom from threat by partners were significantly correlated with practices linked to HIV prevention and with access to health services promoting prevention, especially among adolescents. Young women who talked to their partner about condom use before first intercourse and co-decided with them on condom use were more likely to use condoms. In contrast, those who had ever been victim of physical violence by a partner or whose partners restricted their mobility were less likely to use condoms. The study found that young women were more likely to have accessed health services for gynaecological examinations, family planning services and HIV testing if they had ever been pregnant. The findings indicate that structural gender inequalities translate into unequal relationships and reduced autonomy, increasing young women's susceptibility to HIV. A bias in HIV testing and reproductive health services towards pregnant women leaves many susceptible youth without early access. The study suggests the development of a reproductive health policy that ensures that young women access services before they get pregnant and that also reaches young males.