Domestic violence and women's vulnerability to HIV infection in Kinoo Division, Central Kenya

Abstract

This was a study on domestic violence and women's vulnerability to HIV infection. The study was carried out in Kinoo Division, Central Kenya. It was done among women and men who were HIV infected and had enrolled in various HIV support groups. The study population was identified through their enrollment in the HIV support groups. The unit of analysis was the individual woman and man who was HIV positive. This was established based on the membership list of both private and public organizations that were located within Kinoo area, for example, World Vision, Lea Toto, Christian Children's Fund and Nyumbani. The sample population consisted of 100 respondents. The study adopted a descriptive and cross-sectional research design. It combined both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and secondary data. Qualitative data was analyzed through content analysis and the findings presented using verbatim quotes and anecdotes. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Excel computer software package, and the findings presented in tables of frequencies and percentages. Cross-tabulated HlV sero-status with demographic and descriptive variables were used to examine confounds of the relationships.. between violence and HIV infection. Associations of different experiences of domestic violence with women's sero-status was examined and tested, for example, lifetime adult violence and current intimate partner violence. The study found that women are more willing to come out in the open about their HIV status while the men are still hiding in denial and fear of confirming their status. The findings also showed that domestic violence increases women's vulnerability to HIV infection and that there is an intersection between domestic violence, gender inequality and HIV infection. It can, therefore, be concluded that double standards are practiced both in the family and in the society. The men can move out with other women and get infected while it is taboo for the women to do the same even when not sexually satisfied or deprived of their sexually rights by their matrimonial spouses.