Population Council Research that makes a difference

Abstract

HIV-positive women report more lifetime partner violence: Findings from a voluntary counseling and testing clinic in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (PDF) 
Maman,Suzanne; Mbwambo,Jessie K.; Hogan,Nora M.; Kilonzo,Gad P.; Campbell,Jacquelyn C.; Weiss,Ellen; Sweat,Michael D.
American Journal of Public Health 92(8): 1331-1337
Publication date: 2002

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Objectives
Experiences of partner violence were compared between HIV-positive and HIV-negative women.

Methods
Of 340 women enrolled, 245 (72%) were followed and interviewed 3 months after HIV testing to estimate the prevalence and identify the correlates of violence.

Results
The odds of reporting at least 1 violent event was significantly higher among HIV-positive women than among HIV-negative women (physical violence odds ratio [OR]=2.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.23, 5.63; sexual violence OR=2.39; 95% CI=1.21, 4.73). Odds of reporting partner violence was 10 times higher among younger (<30 years) HIV-positive women than among younger HIV-negative women (OR=9.99; 95% CI=2.67, 37.37).

Conclusions
Violence is a risk factor for HIV infection that must be addressed through multilevel prevention approaches.

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