scholarly journals Understanding gender, sexuality and HIV risk in HEIs: narratives of international post-graduate students

2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathabo Khau ◽  
Naydene De Lange ◽  
Logamurthie Athiemoolam
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Hiv Risk ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Post Graduate ◽  
Sexual Identities ◽  
Hiv Intervention ◽  
Memory Work ◽  
And Migration

Thirty years into the HIV&AIDS pandemic, the world is still striving to reduce new HIV infections and halve AIDS related deaths by 2015. However, sub-Saharan Africa still faces the burden of HIV infections as governments and private institutions try out different prevention strategies (UNAIDS 2011). Several scholars have argued that multiple concurrent sexual partnerships (MCSP) pose the greatest risk for new HIV infections. Furthermore, research has also linked MCSPs to mobility and migration. This paper draws from the project ‘Sexual identities and HIV&AIDS: an exploration of international university students’ experiences” which employed memory work, photo-voice, drawings and focus group discussions with ten (5male and 5female) Post Graduate international students at a South African university. Focussing on the data produced through memory work, I present university students’ lived-experience narratives of mobility and migration in relation to how they perceive MCSPs and HIV risk. The findings show how students construct their gendered and sexual identities in a foreign context and how these constructions intersect with their choices of sexual relationships and HIV risk. I argue from the findings that Higher Education Institutions should be treated as high risk ‘spaces of vulnerability’ and hence health support services and HIV intervention programming policies should be geared towards addressing such vulnerabilities in order to create sustainable teaching and learning environments that allow for all students to explore their full capabilities.

Maasai Girls’ Experiences of Ukimwi ni Homa (AIDS Is a Fever): Idioms of Vulnerability and HIV Risk in East Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (4) ◽  
pp. 332-342
Author(s):  
Kristin Hedges
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Risk ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Combination Prevention ◽  
Hiv Intervention ◽  
Aids Epidemic ◽  
Sub Saharan

There have been enormous strides in response to the AIDS epidemic in the past decades; however, adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) remain at high risk for new HIV infection throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Recognizing this continued discrepancy, I call for more attention to girls’ perceptions of vulnerabilities by revisiting an ethnographic study of HIV risk carried out in 2004 in a rural community in Kenya. My analysis situates Maasai AGYW perceptions and understandings of HIV risk as a culturally constructed idiom of distress: “Ukimwi ni Homa” (AIDS is a fever). I examine the emic perspectives of HIV vulnerability and the association of sexual relationships within the context of economic precarity. Findings demonstrate how references to fevers expressed feelings of helplessness, which increased indifference to HIV risk. This indifference led AGYW to prioritize imminent economic needs over long-term effects of a viral infection that they perceived as inevitable. Critically reflecting on AGYW understandings of their own risk perceptions can influence effective HIV intervention design. My conclusions support the need for tailoring combination prevention approaches to address perceived vulnerabilities within populations. Such perspectives add valuable insights to studies rooted in cultural constructions of illness perspective.

scholarly journals Hearing from men in Eswatini: Shifts in HIV risk and service uptake—Findings from DREAMS implementation science research

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Implementation Science ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Hiv Risk ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Engaging Men ◽  
Sub Saharan

HIV prevention efforts across sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly focused on engaging men, for their own health and that of their partners and families. We examined whether and how HIV risk and protective factors are changing among men in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)—a country with a substantial HIV burden. The study is part of the Population Council’s implementation science research portfolio on the DREAMS Partnership1, a large-scale initiative to reduce new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) and their partners.

scholarly journals Challenges in modelling the proportion of undiagnosed HIV infections in Sweden

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (14) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmi Andersson ◽  
Fumiyo Nakagawa ◽  
Ard van Sighem ◽  
Maria Axelsson ◽  
Andrew N Phillips ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Estimation Methods ◽  
Migration Data ◽  
Persons Living With Hiv ◽  
Clinical Surveillance ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
And Migration

Background Sweden has a low HIV prevalence. However, among new HIV diagnoses in 2016, the proportion of late presenters and migrants was high (59% and 81%, respectively). This poses challenges in estimating the proportion of undiagnosed persons living with HIV (PLHIV). Aim To estimate the proportion of undiagnosed PLHIV in Sweden comparing two models with different demands on data availability and modelling expertise. Methods An individual-based stochastic simulation model of HIV positive populations (SSOPHIE) and the incidence method of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) HIV Modelling Tool were applied to clinical, surveillance and migration data from Sweden 1980–2016. Results SSOPHIE estimated that the proportion of undiagnosed PLHIV in 2013 was 26% (n = 2,100; 90% plausibility range (PR): 900–5,000) for all PLHIV, 17% (n = 600; 90% PR: 100–2,000) for men who have sex with men (MSM), 35% in male (n = 300; 90% PR: 200–700) and 34% in female (n = 400; 90% PR: 200–800) migrants from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The estimates for the ECDC model in 2013 were 21% (n = 2,013; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1,831–2,189) for all PLHIV, 15% (n = 369; 95% CI: 299–434) for MSM and 21% (n = 530; 95% CI: 436–632) for migrants from SSA. Conclusions The proportion of undiagnosed PLHIV in Sweden is uncertain. SSOPHIE estimates had wide PR. The ECDC model estimates were unreliable because migration was not accounted for. Better migration data and estimation methods are required to obtain reliable estimates of proportions of undiagnosed PLHIV in similar settings.

THE PREVALENCE OF CONDOM USE AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN ZIMBABWE: IMPLICATIONS FOR PLANNING AND POLICY

2012 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 643-659 ◽  
Author(s):  
NJABULO NKOMAZANA ◽  
PRANITHA MAHARAJ
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Hiv Risk ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Consistent Condom ◽  
Consistent Condom Use ◽  
First Sex ◽  
Hiv Risk Perception ◽  
Sexual Encounters

SummaryYoung people, especially university students, are at high risk of HIV infections because of little or no parental or administrative prohibitions in campus environments. The aim of this study was to ascertain the level of condom use among university students in Zimbabwe; that is, condom use at last sex and consistent condom use among both regular and casual partners. The study draws on self-completed questionnaires administered to university students. The results reveal that, while 78.3% of sexually active respondents had used condoms in penetrative sexual encounters before, only 56.2% had used condoms at their last sexual encounter. As expected, consistent condom use was lower in regular sexual partnerships than it was in casual partnerships (30.6% versus 54.6%). Condom use at first sex and high personal HIV risk perception were found to be the most important factors in explaining condom use at last sex and consistent condom use with casual partners. Condom use intentions were high, as 75% of respondents indicated that they would use condoms at their next sexual encounters. Whilst this is commendable, use rates should ideally be higher still. Campus HIV/AIDS programmers should endeavour to ensure that condoms are available at all times in order to help translate these intentions into actual condom use. In addition, promotional programmes should encourage those who have not yet initiated sexual intercourse to use condoms at their first sex and also to improve personal HIV risk perceptions in order to trigger initiation of protective sexual behaviours.

scholarly journals Involvement in Specific HIV Risk Practices among Men Who Use the Internet to Find Male Partners for Unprotected Sex

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugh Klein
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Risk ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Risky Behaviors ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Anal Sex ◽  
Multiple Partner ◽  
Hiv Intervention

Purpose. Men who have sex with other men (MSM) account for more than one-half of all new HIV infections in the USA. This study reports on the prevalence of a variety of HIV risk behaviors in one specific subpopulation of risk-seeking MSM.Methods. The study was based on a national sample of 332 MSM who use the Internet to find partners for unprotected sex. Data collection was conducted via telephone interviews between January 2008 and May 2009.Results. Unprotected oral and anal sex was commonplace among study participants. Men engaged in a large number of other risky behaviors as well, including having had multiple recent sex partners (mean number = 11), simultaneous double-penile penetration of the anus (16%), eating semen out of another man’s anus (17%), engaging in multiple-partner sexual encounters (47%), engaging in anonymous sex (51%), and having sex while “under the influence” (52%).Conclusions. HIV intervention and prevention programs need to address numerous behaviors that place MSM at risk for contracting/transmitting HIV. Merely focusing on unprotected anal sex does a disservice to members of this community, who typically engage in many types of behavioral risks, each of which requires addressing if HIV transmission rates are to be reduced.

scholarly journals Hearing from men in South Africa: Shifts in HIV risk and service uptake—Findings from DREAMS implementation science research

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Implementation Science ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Hiv Risk ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Engaging Men ◽  
Sub Saharan

HIV prevention efforts across sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly focused on engaging men, for their own health and that of their partners and families. We examined whether and how HIV risk and protective factors are changing among men in Durban, South Africa—a country with a substantial HIV burden. The study is part of the Population Council’s implementation science research portfolio on the DREAMS Partnership, a large-scale initiative to reduce new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women and their partners.

scholarly journals The role of contraception in preventing HIV-positive births: global estimates and projections

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Sherwood ◽  
Elise Lankiewicz ◽  
Beirne Roose-Snyder ◽  
Bergen Cooper ◽  
Austin Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Review Literature ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Treatment Coverage ◽  
Contraception Use ◽  
Unintended Births ◽  
Mother To Child ◽  
Method Mix

Abstract Background Meeting the contraceptive needs of women living with HIV (WLHIV) has primary health benefits for women, in addition to being a key element to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission. This analysis will estimate the current number of infant HIV infections prevented by contraception in the era of increased HIV treatment coverage and; 2) model the additional HIV benefits of preventing unintended births to WLHIV. Methods Secondary data analysis was conducted using publicly available data from the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and Population Division, Demographic Health Surveys, and peer-review literature. National data from 70 countries, that had a UNAIDS estimate for the number of WLHIV nationally, were combined into country-level models. Models estimated the current number of infant HIV infections averted by contraception annually and potentially averted if unintended births to WLHIV were prevented. Estimates take into account pregnancy and live birth rates, contraceptive coverage, contraceptive method mix and failure rates, and HIV treatment coverage during pregnancy to prevent mother to child transmission. Results Contraception use among WLHIV prevents an estimated 43,559 new infant HIV infections annually across 70 countries. Countries with the largest number of infant infections averted by contraception included South Africa (9441), Nigeria (4195), Kenya (3508), Zimbabwe (2586), and India (2145). Preventing unintended births to WLHIV could avert an additional 43,768 new infant infections per year, with the greatest potential gains to be made in South Africa (12,036), Nigeria (2770), Uganda (2552), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2324). Conclusions Contraception continues to play an integral role in global HIV prevention efforts in the era of increasing HIV treatment coverage, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Broad contraceptive availability, increased contraceptive voluntarism and method mix are key components to preventing unintended births and ending new infant HIV infections worldwide.

Characteristics Associated With Migration Among Older Women and Men in Rural Malawi

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 283-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob Kendall ◽  
Philip Anglewicz
Keyword(s):  
Physical Health ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Religious Affiliation ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Household Size ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
And Migration

The older population in sub-Saharan Africa is growing rapidly, but little is known about the migration patterns of older individuals in this setting. In this article, we identify the determinants of migration for older individuals in a rural African setting. To do so, we use rare longitudinal data with information for older individuals both before and after migration. We first identify premigration factors associated with moving in the future and then identify differences in characteristics between migrants and nonmigrants after migration. In addition to basic sociodemographic information, we examine differences between migrants and nonmigrants in land ownership, number of lifetime marriages, number of living offspring, previous migration experience, household size, social and religious participation, and religious affiliation. Results show that (a) migration in older age is related to marriage, health and HIV status, household size, and religion; (b) older women who are HIV-positive are more likely to move, and older men with better physical health are more likely to move; (c) older female migrants have worse postmigration physical health; and (d) the relationship between health and migration for older men disappears after migration.

Of ‘prostitutes’ and ‘AIDS people’: Feminization of HIV and AIDS in South-eastern Ghana

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-38
Author(s):  
Bright B. Drah
Keyword(s):  
Social History ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Hiv Prevalence ◽  
Hiv And Aids ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Orphans And Vulnerable Children ◽  
Historical Factors ◽  
The Impact

In sub-Saharan Africa, more women than men live with HIV and women bear the largest proportion of the burden of care that is due to the epidemic. Only a few studies have documented the precise details of how women in countries with low HIV prevalence became the worst affected by the epidemic. In Ghana, the historical factors that account for high HIV infections among women and the emergence of women-led community-based HIV interventions have been less researched. This paper examines the historical (political-economic), cultural and personal factors that account for the high HIV prevalence in Manya Klo, the area worst impacted by HIV in Ghana. The paper presents the social history of the pandemic in Manya Klo and explains why Klo women are considered to be the sources of HIV in Ghana. It suggests that concentrating interventions on women helps to reduce the impact of HIV and inform national interventions. Women-focused interventions may, however, alienate other groups that can contribute to improving the lives of families affected by HIV. Therefore, women-focused interventions must be planned in a manner that engages multiple stakeholders.Keywords: Manya Krobo, queen mothers, female migration, female sex work, orphans and vulnerable children, community-based HIV initiatives

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