Women Living With HIV/AIDS Research Articles

Empowering Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Vietnam: A Hybrid Online-Offline Intervention to Combat Stigma.

Women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) encounter numerous challenges, such as stigma and gender disparities, that hinder their access to care, especially in patriarchal societies like Vietnam. We developed a hybrid intervention with online and offline (in-person) components to empower WLHA in Vietnam. The intervention was pilot tested with 91 WLHA in Hanoi. During baseline and 4-month, study investigators delivered two in-person sessions, one Zoom session, and 15 weeks of Zalo (social media platform) discussions to enhance positive coping strategies, treatment utilization and adherence, and engagement of support from family and peers. The participants continued their Zalo discussions from 4-month to 6-month without investigators' involvement. Intervention outcomes, including active coping and perceived barriers to care, were evaluated at baseline, 4-, and 6-month surveys. Mixed-effects regression models showed that the participants' active coping significantly increased from baseline (50.5 ± 9.4) to 4-month (53.8 ± 6.2; p = 0.0001), although there was a slight decrease at 6-month (52.8 ± 7.2), the change from 4-month to 6-month was not significantly significant (p = 0.3256). There was a significant reduction in participants' perceived barriers to care, from 19.8 ± 5.2 at baseline to 17.4 ± 5.2 at 4-month (p < 0.0001), which remained stable at 17.8 ± 4.3 at 6-month (p < 0.0001 compared to baseline). This intervention presents a promising model to empower WLHA in Vietnam and potentially in similar global contexts. Future interventions could benefit from leveraging natural peer leaders and adopting a more person-centered approach to meet WLHA's varying needs.

Intersectionality of HIV Stigma with Female Identity: An Investigation among Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Vietnam.

Women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) in Vietnam encounter challenges stemming from HIV-related stigma and gender disparities. This study delves into the intersectionality of HIV-related stigma and gender disparities as perceived by WLHA. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 91 WLHA in Hanoi, Vietnam. Two sets of identically worded scales were used to measure awareness, agreement, and application of stigma towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) and WLHA. A larger difference between stigma scores towards WLHA and that of PLHA represents a higher level of female-specific stigma. Univariate analyses and multiple regressions were conducted to identify demographic and psycho-social factors associated with the gendered differences in stigma measures. Multiple linear regression showed that WLHA who were currently married were more likely to apply stigma concepts to themselves due to gender identity (adjusted beta coefficient (aBeta Coef) = 0.223). Psychological capital was negatively associated with awareness of stigma towards female identity (aBeta Coef = -0.261). A higher perceived norm in women's equity and power was associated with less self-application of female-specific stigma (aBeta Coef = -0.294). Our findings underscore the importance of addressing psychological well-being and promoting gender equity norms as essential components in the efforts to reduce female-specific HIV-related stigma in WLHA.

Unraveling reproductive and maternal health challenges of women living with HIV/AIDS in Vietnam: a qualitative study

BackgroundHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a significant public health concern worldwide. Women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) have the additional and unique need to seek sexual and reproductive health services. WLHA’s maternal health journeys can be shaped by the cultural norms and resources that exist in their society. This study sought to understand if and how WLHA’s family planning, pregnancy, and motherhood experiences could be influenced by the patriarchal culture, gender roles, and HIV stigma in Vietnam, specifically.MethodsBetween December 2021 and March 2022, 30 WLHA with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and childbirth experiences were interviewed in Hanoi, Vietnam. These semi-structured interviews covered topics including HIV stigma, gender norms, pregnancy experiences, and child-rearing challenges. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed using ATLAS.ti.ResultsQualitative analyses of participant quotes revealed how limited information on one’s health prospects and reproductive options posed a significant challenge to family planning. Societal and familial expectations as well as economic circumstances also influenced reproductive decision-making. WLHA often encountered substandard healthcare during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Stigma and lack of provider attentiveness resulted in cases where women were denied pain relief and other medical services. Communication breakdowns resulted in failure to administer antiretroviral therapy for newborns. Motherhood for WLHA was shadowed by concerns for not only their own health, but also the wellbeing of their children, as HIV stigma affected their children at school and in society as well. Many WLHA highlighted the constructive or destructive role that family members could play in their childbirth decision-making and care-giving experiences.ConclusionsOverall, this study underscores the complex ways that cultural expectations, family support, and stigma in healthcare impact WLHA. Efforts to educate and engage families and healthcare providers are warranted to better understand and address the needs of WLHA, ultimately improving their reproductive and maternal health.

Psychosocial predictors of quality of life among women living with HIV/AIDS: a cross-sectional study in a VCT centre in Shiraz, Iran.

We aimed to assess psychosocial predictors of quality of life (QOL) among women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHIV). QOL has been considered as an important indicator in evaluating the outcome of psychological and physical healthcare in people living with HIV (PLHIV). This cross-sectional study was carried out from October 2021 to April 2022 at the Voluntary, Counselling, and Testing (VCT) center in Shiraz, Iran. A total of 452 WLHIV were included in this study. Socio-demographic and clinical data, social support (MSPSS questionnaire), food insecurity (HFIAS questionnaire), resilience (CD-RISC questionnaire), mental health status (DASS questionnaire), and QOL (WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire) were collected through direct interviews and patients' files at Shiraz VCT. Physical and social relationships domains of QOL had the highest (60.48 ± 18.00) and lowest (36.76 ± 23.88) scores, respectively. Higher clinical stage, psychotropic substances use, having a husband infected with HIV, history of hypertension, and higher socioeconomic status had a significant relationship with some domains of QOL. The score of social support, food insecurity, resilience, and mental health status had a significant relationship with all domains of QOL. Social relationships domain of QOL had the lowest scores in WLHIV. Also, the mental health status of WLHIV was more related to their QOL than the physical status related to HIV/AIDS. Interventions such as improving the mental health care and resilience skills of WLHIV, including their social network in counseling services to promote their social support, could help them to improve their QOL.

Detection of cytokines in cervicovaginal lavage in HIV-infected women and its association with high-risk human papillomavirus.

Women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) have an increased prevalence of high-risk HPV infection (HR-HPV) and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and a greater risk of cervical cancer despite access to a new generation of antiretroviral therapy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the concentrations of different cytokines involved in the local immune response in WLHA, which is fundamental for understanding the pathogenesis of HPV-related cancer in this population. IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IP-10, GM-CSF, and MIP-1α were investigated in the cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) of 106 WLHA attending at Hospital Universitario Professor Edgard Santos in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, during the period December 2019 to April 2023 by Luminex®. All participants were also tested for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae and underwent colposcopy, Pap smear, and Nugent score. HIV plasma viral load (VL) and CD4 cell count were performed for all WLHA. In this study, 22.6% (24/106) of WLHA were infected with HR-HPV. A higher proportion of patients with HR-HPV (66.7%) had detectable levels of IL-10 than those negative ones (40.2%, p = 0.02). More premenopausal women had either IL-6 (51.4%) or IP-10 (58.3%) than those in menopausal status (26.5% for IL-6 and 32.4% for IP-10, p = 0.013 and p = 0.011, respectively). Vaginosis was negatively associated with detection of IP-10 (24.2% vs. 61.4%, p < 0.001) and INF-γ (39.4% vs. 68.6%, p = 0.005). A positive association was detected for IL-1β (66.7 vs. 37.1%, p = 0.005) and IL-10 (63.6% vs. 37.1%, p = 0.01). VL and CD4 were not associated with the studied cytokines. We demonstrated a positive association between IL-10 and HPV infection in CVL, suggesting the predominance of the Th2 response in HIV/HPV co-infected patients. However, further studies with longer follow-up will be needed to evaluate the association of IL-10 with HPV infection, CIN, and cervical cancer in WLHA.

Access, Participation, Control, and Advantage of Digital-Based Healthcare Service for Women Living with HIV/AIDS

Gender inequality contributes to HIV/AIDS transmission, increased number of women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA), and women’s reduced ability of resolving this epidemic. Mobile Health (mH) is used to treat, support, and medicate more efficiently people with HIV/AIDS (PWHA) including WLHA. This research studies access, participation, control, and advantage of digital-based healthcare service to WLHA using Harvard’s gender analysis model. Informants employed in this exploratory research were Surakarta City’s Health Service Office, medical workers, nurses, administrative staffs, patients, NGO Caring for AIDS, WLHA, Peer Support Group, and Citizens caring for AIDS di Surakarta Indonesia. Data validity test was conducted using source triangulation and data was analyzed using an interactive model of analysis. Result shows that several digital platforms have been developed by Public Health Centers and Hospitals in Surakarta including telemedicine, telenursing, telepharmacy, website, youtube and social media for promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative healthcare services to WLHA in Surakarta Indonesia. WLHA, public, and medical personnel in Surakarta Indonesia have participated in and access mH, despite gender inequality. The factor determining gender inequality in digital-based healthcare service is men’s domination in mastering digital-based health technology, negative stigma, and discriminative treatment given by medical personnel and public to WLHA. The use of mH by WLHA has positive impact on knowledge, stance, access, participation, decision, and changing behavior of WLHA and the medical personnel responsible for the service.

A Conceptual Analysis of Systematic Barriers for Women Living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA)

A Conceptual Analysis of Systematic Barriers for Women Living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA)

Infant-Feeding Practices Among Women Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in a Southern Nigerian Region: A Mixed Comparative Study.

Background and objective Infant survival depends on proper nutrition. Breastfeeding enhances infant health and offers some benefits to the mother as well. However, in the setting of the HIV pandemic, it is important to assess the benefits and the risk for each individual in choosing a feeding option. The purpose of this research was to determine the infant-feeding practices among women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWHA) and compare them with the general population of women. Methods A mixed comparative survey was conducted among 246 HIV-positive mothers nursing infants of at least one year of age. An equal number of matched HIV-negative women from the same locality were selected as controls. Quantitative data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 23(IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) while qualitative findings were presented in a thematic approach. Results The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) among WLWHA was 73.6% compared to 55.2% in the controls [p=0.002; chi-square (X2)=5.264]. Only 6.5% of WLWHA practiced exclusive replacement feeding (ERF). Vaginal birth was associated with increased odds for early initiation of breastfeeding [p=0.001; odds ratio (OR): 3.135; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.130 to 4.616]. Also, urban dwellers commenced breastfeeding earlier thanwomen residing in rural communities (p=0.002; OR: 5.58; 95% CI: 3.85 to 8.07).Based on in-depth interviews, cultural influencesand non-disclosure of HIV status to family members promoted mixed feeding. Concomitant intake of anti-tuberculosis drugs was a major reason for adopting ERF in some women. Conclusion There was a high prevalence of EBF among WLWHA. Counseling on infant feeding is an effective component of the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programs. Cultural beliefs and fear of stigmatization are major challenges to infant nutrition in sero-exposed babies.

Experiences of stigma and discrimination of women living with HIV/AIDS in health-care settings of Kashmir.

Stigma and discrimination create barriers for women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) in accessing quality health-care services, affecting their well-being and also increasing the number of cases. The current article studies issues of stigma and discrimination that WLHA experience in health-care settings and highlights the importance of building awareness and sensitivity regarding HIV among all health-care workers. This hospital-based study was conducted in an anti-retroviral therapy center in Kashmir. Twenty-one WLHA participated in the study. The WLHA internalizes stigma and experiences shock, guilt, anger, and numbness while receiving a diagnosis. The stigma is socially constructed, having very little medical or logical basis. Verbal abuse, gossiping, expression of shock and disbelief of health-care workers, discriminatory attitudes such as wearing multiple surgical gloves, denial of care and treatment, and disclosing their HIV-positive status without their consent to their families and others have been learned. These experiences in health-care institutions are disempowering for WLHA. Gender stereotyping and inequalities within health-care settings and the discriminatory approach of some health practitioners toward women is the main barrier to accessing the services for HIV prevention, treatment and support services.

Pregnancy incidence, outcomes and associated factors in a cohort of women living with HIV/AIDS in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1996-2016.

The aim of this research was to analyze pregnancy incidence and associated factors in a cohort of 753 women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWHA) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 1996 to 2016. Women aged 18-49 years who were not on menopause (surgical or natural) and did not have a tubal ligation were eligible for the study. Data were collected by medical professionals during initial and follow-up visits. Person-time pregnancy incidence rates were calculated throughout the follow-up period. Pregnancy incidence-associated factors were investigated by univariate and multiple analyzes, using an extension of the Cox survival model. Follow-up visits recorded 194 pregnancies, with an incidence rate of 4.01/100 person-years (95% CI: 3.47; 4.60). A higher pregnancy incidence was associated with CD4 nadir ≥ 350 cells/mm³, use of an antiretroviral regimen not containing Efavirenz, and prior teenage pregnancy. In turn, women with a viral load ≥ 50 copies/mL, age ≥ 35 years old, with two or more children and using a highly effective contraceptive method showed a lower incidence. Results showed a significant reduction in pregnancy incidence after 2006, a significant reduction in female sterilization from 1996 to 2016, and a high rate of cesarean sections. The association found between pregnancy incidence and the use of contraceptive methods and virological control markers suggests a good integration between HIV/AIDS and reproductive health services. The high rate of cesarean section delivery indicates the need to improve childbirth care.

Reproductive Desire in Women Living with HIV/AIDS with Serodiscordant Partners.

To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with reproductive desire in a sample of women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) with serodiscordant partners. Between September 2015 and August 2016, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 110 WLHA from HIV/AIDS treatment services and non-governmental organizations. An interview was conducted using a structured questionnaire to collect sociodemographic data, reproductive desire, and potential predictor variables. Poisson regression was used to analyze the factors associated with reproductive desire in the sample. The prevalence of reproductive desire was 32.7% (95% Confidence Interval: % CI: 24.7-42.0%). In regression analysis, we observed an association between reproductive desire and the following variables: age &lt; 30 years; relationship time &lt; 2 years; reproductive desire for the partner; and absence of children. The prevalence of reproductive desire in the investigated sample was relatively high. Young age and reproductive desire for the partner were the main associated factors.

Perceptions and Knowledge about Cervical Cancer among Women Living with HIV in Parakou in 2017

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common cancer in women and those living with HIV have a six times higher risk of cervical cancer compared to those without. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge and perceptions about cervical cancer in women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWHIV) in the municipality of Parakou in Benin. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted among WLWHIV monitored on antiretrovira (ARV) therapy (ART) centers in Parakou. Study participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique. Data collection took place from September 5, 2017 to November 6, 2017. Log-binomial regression was used to identify associated factors. Results: A total of 167 women were recruited into the study. The median age was 35 years [Interquartile range: 41.50 - 30.00]. More than half of the women had no perception of the cause of CC. Only 12.6% of women believed in the preventive capacity of early screening of CC. Among women, 15.6% knew that it can be prevented, but only 9.6% had heard of HPV and 4.8% knew that HPV vaccination is an effective means of preventing CC. The factors associated with the low level of knowledge were the age at first sexual intercourse (≤24 years), the ART follow-up site (private health structure) and the fact of not having visited a maternity hospital in the last 12 months preceding the survey. Conclusion: The perceptions and knowledge about cervical cancer in the population of women living with HIV and monitored on ART in Parakou were inadequate and disproportionate to their vulnerability to this cancer. In order to avoid a double burden on these women, their ART centers must integrate cervical cancer prevention interventions into ART initiation services.

Prevalence and factors associated with fertility desire among HIV-positive women in Rwanda in the context of improved life expectancy

BackgroundThe knowledge of the key factors associated with fertility desire among people living with HIV/AIDS is crucial for the efficient planning of maternal and child health care programs. Fertility desire has generally increased among women of reproductive age in Rwanda. However, its level and determinants among women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) are currently not well known in the context of Rwanda. The present study aimed to fill in this knowledge gap.MethodsData were extracted from the 2015 Rwanda demographic and health survey (RDHS) for 243 HIV-positive women of reproductive age. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted in order to identify the most influential factors.ResultsThe prevalence of desire to have another child in HIV-positive women was found to be as high as 40.7%. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that the woman’s age of 35–49 years (AOR = 0.051, 95% CI: 0.013–0.204), woman’s parity of 3 children or above (AOR = 0.177, 95% CI: 0.037–0.837), being employed (AOR = 0.298, 95% CI: 0.113–0.782) and currently using contraceptives (AOR = 0.146; 95% CI: 0.057–0.375) were significantly associated with low odds of fertility desire among HIV- positive women in Rwanda. Women younger than 25 years, with no living child, or who were unemployed or who were not using any contraceptive were significantly associated with greater odds of desire to have another child than did other HIV- positive women. A woman whose partner's desire for children is different from hers was associated with about four times higher odds (AOR = 3.752; 95% CI: 1.203–11.702) of desire for more children than women who desire the same as their partners.ConclusionFertility desire in WLHA is currently high in Rwanda. It is significantly influenced by demographic and socioeconomic factors. The Rwanda’s health care system should be prepared to intensify the required services for the prevention of the vertical transmission of HIV, the delivery of maternal and child health care services, and the support to WLHA in planning their fertility. Interventions should target low-parity young women, with a particular focus on meeting their contraceptive needs.

Role of health care workers in the care and support of women living with HIV/AIDS experiencing intimate partner violence: the case of women attending care and treatment clinic in Singida region, Tanzania

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is behaviour within intimate relationship that causes physical, sexual and psychological harm. Health care workers (HCW) have a big role to play for women living with HIV/AIDS (LWHA) who are experiencing IPV. The understanding and perception of IPV towards health care workers is very important in the provision of integrated holistic care.Methods: This was a qualitative study where data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions for 24 HCW, working at a care and treatment clinic and prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS. Content analysis was used to analyse the data.Results: The study findings showed that HCW had their own meaning and understanding of IPV that was when a male partner does something wrong to his female partner which was associated with beating, use of abusive language and refusal to provide basic needs. HCW had various roles in caring and supporting women LWHA experiencing IPV. They provided emergency medical services, health education which helped them to cope with their HIV/AIDS disease, counselled on the importance of adhering to their antiretroviral treatment medications and referral services which helped them to address their IPV as women LWHA.Conclusions: The study concluded that HCW had a very important role to play in care and support of women LWHA. They needed more training on IPV so that they will be able to provide care and support to all women living with HIV/AIDS experiencing IPV and the community at large.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among women living with HIV/AIDS in the interior of the Brazilian state of Pará: cross-sectional study.

High prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and occurrence of drug-resistant strains have been recorded in northern Brazil. Abandonment of treatment and insufficient and inadequate adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) have been recorded in the metropolitan area of Belém, the capital of the state of Pará. To identify the sociodemographic profile and level of adherence to ART among women seen at a referral unit in the interior of Pará, northern Brazil. Cross-sectional study at a referral unit for care for PLWHA. We included 86 women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWHA) in the Rio Caeté integrated region, northeastern Pará. Social, demographic and behavioral information, as well as the ART level, were obtained using forms that have been described in the scientific literature. Logistic regression models were used to assess associations of variables with ART. Most WLWHA were single (52.4%), young (47.7%) and heterosexual (97.7%), had low levels of education (63.0%), were unemployed (69.8%), had one sexual partner (75.7%), used condoms (46.7%) and were not using either licit drugs (68.7%) or illicit drugs (89.6%). Their adherence level was classified as insufficient , and only their viral load showed an association with ART. The participants' low level of education and poor socioeconomic conditions may have been interfering with their adherence to ART. Such influences can be minimized through multiprofessional interventions that take the individuality of women served by the healthcare service into consideration.

Managing pain in HIV/AIDS: a therapeutic relationship is as effective as an exercise and education intervention for rural amaXhosa women in South Africa

BackgroundPain is one of the most prevalent symptoms in people living with HIV/AIDS and is largely undermanaged. Both a peer-led exercise and education Positive Living programme (PL programme) and the PL programme workbook alone were previously found to be effective in reducing pain in urban amaXhosa Women Living With HIV/AIDS (WLWHA). A therapeutic relationship was hypothesised to have contributed to the efficacy of both interventions. The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of the PL programme and a therapeutic relationship, compared to a therapeutic relationship alone in managing pain amongst rural amaXhosa WLWHA on pain severity and pain interference, and secondary outcomes, symptoms of depression, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and self-efficacy.MethodsIn this two-group, single-blind, pragmatic clinical trial with stratified convenience sampling, the PL programme and therapeutic relationship, was compared to a therapeutic relationship alone in rural amaXhosa WLWHA. The PL programme was a 6-week, peer-led intervention comprising education on living well with HIV, exercise and goal setting. The therapeutic relationship comprised follow-up appointments with a caring research assistant. Outcome measures included pain severity and interference (Brief Pain Inventory), depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory), HRQoL (EuroQol 5-Dimensional outcome questionnaire) and self-efficacy (Self-efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6-Item Scale). Follow-up was conducted at 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 weeks. Mixed model regression was used to test the effects of group, time, and group and time interactions of the interventions on outcome measures.ResultsForty-nine rural amaXhosa WLWHA participated in the study: PL group n = 26; TR group n = 23. Both intervention groups were similarly effective in significantly reducing pain severity and interference and depressive symptoms, and increasing self-efficacy and HRQoL over the 48 weeks. A clinically important reduction in pain severity of 3.31 points occurred for the sample over the 48 weeks of the study. All of these clinical improvements were obtained despite low and suboptimal attendance for both interventions.ConclusionsProviding a therapeutic relationship alone is sufficient for effective pain management amongst rural amaXhosa WLWHA. These findings support greater emphasis on demonstrating care and developing skills to enhance the therapeutic relationship in healthcare professionals working with rural amaXhosa WLWHA.Trial registrationPACTR; PACTR201410000902600, 30th October 2014; https://pactr.samrc.ac.za.

LinkPositively: A Trauma-Informed Peer Navigation and Social Networking WebApp to Improve HIV Care among Black Women Affected by Interpersonal Violence.

In the U.S., Black women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) are affected disproportionately by interpersonal violence, which often co-occurs with adverse mental health and/or substance use, and exacerbates existing poor HIV care outcomes. Peer navigation has been successful in improving HIV care; however, HIV clinics often lack resources for sustainability and may not account for socio-structural barriers unique to Black WLHA. To address this gap, we developed LinkPositively, a culturally-tailored, trauma-informed WebApp for Black WLHA affected by interpersonal violence to improve HIV care outcomes. Using focus group data from nine Black WLHA and peer navigators, we developed LinkPositively. Core components include: virtual peer navigation to facilitate skill-building to cope with barriers and navigate care; social networking platform for peer support; educational and self-care tips; GPS-enabled resource locator for HIV care and support service agencies; and medication self-monitoring/reminder system. If efficacious, LinkPositively will shift the HIV prevention and care paradigm for Black WLHA.

A gendered analysis of living with HIV/AIDS in the Eastern Region of Ghana

BackgroundA gender gap exists in knowledge regarding persons living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana. Women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHIV) greatly outnumber males living with HIV/AIDS (MLHIV) in Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa generally. This necessitates more gender-nuanced evidence-based information on HIV/AIDS to guide individuals, healthcare workers, and other stakeholders in Ghana particularly. This paper undertook a gender-focused analysis of the experiences of WLHIV and MLHIV in a municipal area in Ghana which has been most impacted by HIV/AIDS.MethodsIn-depth interviews of 38 HIV-positive persons recruited using combined purposive and random sampling for one month, were tape recorded and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Participants were out-patients who were receiving routine care for co-morbidities at two specially equipped HIV/AIDS Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centers in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality (LMKM), Eastern Region, Ghana.ResultsOur data yielded three major themes: characteristics of participants, health status and health seeking behavior, and challenges encountered living with HIV/AIDS. Except for feeling of sadness due to their HIV/AIDS-positive status, there were significant differences in the experiences of MLHIV, compared to WLHIV. WLHIV were more likely to be housing insecure, unemployed due mostly to stigmatization/self-stigmatization, less likely to have revealed their HIV-positive status to multiple family members, and had more profound challenges regarding their healthcare. Most MLHIV expected, demanded, and had support from their wives; WLHIV were mostly single—never married, divorced or widowed (mostly due to HIV/AIDS). The vast majority of WLHIV complained of near-abject poverty, including for most of them, lack of food for taking their anti-retroviral medicines and/or taking it on time.ConclusionsThe experiences of the MLHIV and WLHIV with living and coping with the virus mostly differed. These experiences were unequivocally shaped by differential socio-cultural tenets and gendered nuances; WLHIV had more negative experiences. Public education on the extra burden of HIV/AIDS on WLHIV, more social support, and affirmative action in policy decisions in favor of WLHIV in the study district are needed to seek public sympathy and improve health outcomes and livelihoods of WLHIV particularly. Further studies using multiple sites to explore these differences are warranted.

Characteristic of Reproductive Age Women Living With HIV/AIDS in Victory Plus Foundation, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Around 50% of people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide are women, and women of reproductive age are the group of women who are most infected by HIV/AIDS. Indonesia is a country that has increased the number of people with HIV/AIDS up to three folded since 2009-2014 and the number of women infected with HIV/AIDS also continues to increase. This study aims to look at the characteristics of women living with HIV / AIDS (WLWHA) in Victory Plus who are of reproductive age. This study is descriptive research with a cross-sectional approach that was conducted on 288 women with HIV / AIDS taken by purposive sampling who met the inclusion criteria in Victory Plus Foundation, Yogyakarta. Data were taken by questionnaire in March – June 2019 and processed by univariate analysis according to the data. The results showed that respondents 100% underwent ART, they are 35.42 ± 6.91 years old, suffered HIV for 4.06± 3.21 years, and have a length of ART duration for 3.74±3.11 years. Most of WLWHA are Muslims (89,9%), Javanese (94,4%), married women (52,8%), senior high school educated (46,5%), housewives (68,8%), have living children (80,6%), have no child with HIV(87,5%), adherence on ART(85,4%), have steady sex partner (75,3%), disclosed their HIV status to their sexual partner (50,7%), disclosed their HIV status to others (50,7%), and having better health perception (73,3%). The conclusion that the characteristics of respondents are mostly Muslim, have a high school education background, work as a housewife, are married, have live children, have no children with HIV, are on ART, open to sexual partners, open to other than sexual partners and have improved health perception.

‘Today I feel strong’: African American women overcoming HIV-related stigma

Objective: African American account for more than 60% of women living with HIV/AIDS in the United States. This population is disproportionately affected in areas of diagnosis, treatment, and morbidity. HIV-related stigma has been found to play a pivotal role in the experiences of African American women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWHA) impacting self-perception, treatment adherence, depression, interpersonal relationships, and overall quality of life. Limited studies have explored the ways in which HIV-related stigma impacts the self-perceptions of African American WLWHA. To explore these experiences, this study examined the ways in which HIV-related stigma impacts the intrapersonal experiences of African American WLWHA.Design: A phenomenological investigation was conducted to explore the experiences of African American WLWHA.Main Outcome Measure: In-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews.Results: Interpretive phenomenological analysis revealed four emergent themes: (1) increased vulnerability; (2) processing the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS; (3) surviving HIV/AIDS; and (4) quality of life.Conclusion: Findings of this study contribute to existing literature by highlighting the intricacies of the lived experiences of African American WLWHA from initial diagnosis to present day. Exploring the trajectory of the illness among this population allows for a deeper understanding of the ways in which HIV/AIDS impacts the intrapersonal experiences and self-perceptions of WLWHA.