Abstract
Background:Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) occur as dual epidemics with gender dimensions. IPV sometimes result in lack of decision making autonomy over one’s own health and this may negatively affect uptake HIV testing services.Objective:The study aimed to examine the association between exposure to IPV and HIV testing among women of reproductive age in Uganda.Method:The study is based on cross-sectional data from 2011 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS). A sub-sample of 1705 ever-partnered women aged 15-49 who responded to the domestic violence module was examined in the study. Bivariate and multivariable (logistic regression) analyses were used to determine the association between exposure to IPV and HIV testing.Results:Up to 82.3% and 61.5% of the respondents were tested for HIV ever and in the past year, respectively. The prevalence of physical IPV and IPV of any form in the past year was 25.6% and 44% respectively. Exposure to physical IPV and emotional IPV in the past year was associated with HIV testing within the past year. In the multivariate analysis, exposure to physical IPV remained significantly associated with HIV testing within the past year (OR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.03-1.73). Frequent access to newspapers remained a significant predictor of HIV testing uptake.Conclusion:HIV testing in the past year is associated with exposure to IPV among women of reproductive age in Uganda. There is a need to include IPV as a part of global strategy to address HIV/AIDS.
Highlights
Intimate Partner Violence against women (IPV), refers to behaviours within an intimate relationship that causes physical, emotional, or sexual harm to a partner [1]
It is likely that women experiencing physical IPV already understand that they face a high risk of HIV infection from abusive partners strengthening the resolve to be tested (e.g. Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT)) or seize the opportunity when offered (e.g. Provider Initiated Testing and Counselling (PITC))
Norms might mean less agency among women, findings from this study show that women exposed to IPV in Uganda test for HIV are probably due to the design of VCT and PITC i.e. confidentiality, counseling and information regarding disclosure
Summary
Intimate Partner Violence against women (IPV), refers to behaviours within an intimate relationship that causes physical, emotional, or sexual harm to a partner [1]. Screening for HIV and uptake of HIV testing are important especially for women exposed to IPV. IPV and HIV are global health challenges with gender dimensions, understanding the relationship between IPV and uptake of HIV testing services is important. A recent review of studies from sub-Saharan Africa found that gender inequalities undermine women’s decision making autonomy about HIV testing [12]. Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) occur as dual epidemics with gender dimensions. IPV sometimes result in lack of decision making autonomy over one’s own health and this may negatively affect uptake HIV testing services
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