Influence of gender on vulnerability to HIV/AIDS among small scale traders around Lake Victoria, Homa Bay County

Abstract

HIV/AIDS prevalence rates among women around Lake Victoria South are at a higher rate, the HIVinfection rate is about 70% according to (CRA, 2011). It is also one of the counties experiencing high HIV prevalence at 24%, compared with the national average of7.8%. The purpose for the study was to investigate influence of gender on vulnerability to HIV/AIDS among small-scale trader around Lake Victoria south with specific reference to Homa Bay County. The specific objectives of the study were: to establish the extent to which gender poverty influence vulnerability to HIV / AIDS among small scale traders around Lake Victoria; to establish the extent to which gender illiteracy influence vulnerability to HIV / AIDS among small scale traders around Lake Victoria; to establish the extent to which gender health influence vulnerability to HIV / AIDS among small scale traders around Lake Victoria; and to establish the extent to which gender culture influence vulnerability to HIV / AIDS among small scale traders around Lake Victoria South.

The research was grounded on the Theory of Gender and Power to evaluate gender influence on vulnerability to HIV / AIDS. A descriptive research design was used and primary data collected using semi-structured questionnaires and interview guides. The study population was three hundred small-scale traders and four health officers and beach leaders operating around Lake Victoria, Homa Bay County. Data collected was analyzed and presented using percentages and frequencies tables. The tool of analysis used was the measures of central tendency. The findings of this study were that gender plays a vital role in vulnerability to HIV / AIDS; women are more vulnerable to HIV / AIDS in comparison to their male counterparts along the Lake region Homa Bay County. Gender poverty influences vulnerability to HIV/AIDS; gender illiteracy influences vulnerability to HIV/AIDS; gender health influences vulnerability to HIV / AIDS; and gender culture influences vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. Based on the study findings, it is recommended: awareness of HIV/AIDS, sex education; women empowerment; job creation; education; supply of condoms; and the water hyacinth needs to be addressed.