Cultural Expectations and Reproductive Desires: Experiences of South African Women Living With HIV/AIDS (WLHA)

Background Young South African women are faced with a dual epidemic of HIV and obesity, placing them at a high risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). We sought to determine the prevalence of CVD risk factors in a cohort of reproductive-aged South African women living with HIV (WLHIV). Methods While the main purpose of an ongoing intervention study is the reduction of cardiovascular disease through the integration of CVD screening and prevention in the HIV management plan for women of reproductive age (ISCHeMiA trial), we present the prevalence of risk factors for CVD in this cohort of young women at baseline. Sociodemographic, conventional CVD risk factors, HIV-related factors and self body image perception were assessed through study questionnaires and standardized clinical and laboratory procedures. Results Of the 372 WLHIV enrolled from November 2018 to May 2019, 97% had received efavirenz-based antiretroviral treatment (ART) for at least 1 year and 67.5% (248/367) of women were overweight or obese at the time of enrolment. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 17.6% (95%CI 11.6–22.8) at a median age of 35 years (IQR 30.5–40.5). A significant proportion of women had abnormally low levels of high-density lipoprotein (43.2%, 80/185) and elevated levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (59.5%, 110/185). Seventy five percent of overweight women with an increased waist circumference reported to be satisfied with their body image. Conclusions The high prevalence of metabolic syndrome, obesity and elevated markers of inflammation in young South African WLHIV, underscores the need for a proactive integrated management approach to prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in low and middle income settings.

Download Full-text

Migratory Paths, Experiences of HIV/AIDS, and Sexuality: African Women Living with HIV/AIDS in France Dolorès Pourette

AIDS, Gender and Economic Development ◽

10.4324/9781315874500-13 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 157-190

Keyword(s):

African Women ◽

Women Living With Hiv ◽

Living With Hiv ◽

Hiv Aids

Download Full-text

A discourse on the plight of South African women in the face of abuse and neglect

Law Democracy & Development ◽

10.17159/2077-4907/2020/ldd.v25.spe5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 25 (spe) ◽

pp. 1-23

Author(s):

Omololu Fagbadebo

Keyword(s):

South African ◽

Violence Against Women ◽

Secondary Data ◽

Hiv Infections ◽

African Women ◽

The Status ◽

The Face ◽

The Government ◽

South African Women ◽

Hiv Aids

An upsurge in the rate of violence against women has an adverse effect on women in South Africa. Sadly, many South African women who are the victims of violent sexual conduct, such as, rape and other forms of violent sexual abuse, have in part contributed to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS infection among women. Of the 7,7 million South African living with HIV/AIDS in 2018, 4,7 million were women, while another 69 000 were among the new infections. They are more vulnerable to HIV infections with 21,17 percent of women living with the disease. Using personal conversations, literature searches and documents for primary and secondary data, this article argues that value orientation that ascribes superiority to men has damaging consequences on the status of women. South African women are exposed to violent habitual actions of men that denigrate their womanhood. The article, therefore, submits that there is a need to reinforce civil society and strengthen the justice system for the protection and promotion of the rights and freedom of women. Aside from this, the government should increase its commitment to the enforcement of requisite legislative frameworks that safeguard the rights and freedom of women, and review punishments for any acts of violence against women.

Download Full-text

Knowledge and attitudes about HIV infection and prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV in an urban, low income community in Durban, South Africa: Perspectives of residents and health care volunteers

Health SA Gesondheid ◽

10.4102/hsag.v21i0.949 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 21 ◽

pp. 171-178 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Firoza Haffejee ◽

Katie A. Ports ◽

Maghboeba Mosavel

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Health Care ◽

Hiv Infection ◽

South African ◽

Low Income ◽

African Women ◽

Hiv Education ◽

Testing Procedures ◽

South African Women ◽

Hiv Aids

Background: HIV prevalence is high among South African women of reproductive age and transmission of HIV from mothers to children is a concern. This study ascertained the level of knowledge about HIV infection and prevention, particularly prevention of mother toc hild transmission (PMTCT) amongst South African women from a low income community. It also established the challenges in delivering HIV education from the perspectives of health care volunteers.Method: Female residents (n = 67) from Kenneth Gardens, a low income community in Durban, South Africa were interviewed. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 health care volunteers who were either health care workers or residents who provided some form of social support in the community.Results: The majority of respondents indicated that a mother could transmit HIV to her child but were unable to specify how. Many women had general HIV/AIDS knowledge but were unable to identify essential prevention behaviours and were not very receptive to more information on HIV/AIDS. They were supportive of routine testing procedures and child bearing amongst HIV positive women. Health care volunteers indicated a need for a community clinic in the area.They also had limited knowledge of PMTCT and indicated that there was a need for more education on HIV, particularly to encourage the youth and men to use preventative measures.Conclusion: Innovative ways to impart knowledge particularly of PMTCT and updated standards of practice are essential. It is important that the community understands how transmission occurs so that prevention can follow.

Download Full-text