Nature and prevalence of gender based violence experiences by HIV positive women attending MTRH AMPATH Clinic, Eldoret

Abstract

Introduction: GBV is increasingly being cited as a cause and consequence of HIV infection. Prevalence of GBV as a consequence of HIV infection and nature of such GBV needs to be assessed in order to inform programs providing care to HIV positive women. Objectives: This study sought to determine the nature and prevalence of GBV experienced by HIV infected women attending AMPATH MTRH clinic and to determine GBV and its relation to adherence to drugs and clinic attendance. Services provided by AMPATH program to victims of GBV were also determined. Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted between May and July 2009 involving randomly selected 368 HIV positive women attending AMPATH MTRH clinic. HIV positive women aged 18-49 years were included into the study. Demographic data, experiences of GBV, forms of GBV, frequency of missed clinic visits and drugs and services available for GBV victims at AMPATH were assessed. Findings: 76% of HIV positive women reported history of GBV. Three forms of GBV were identified; physical, sexual and emotional. GBV was a consequence of disclosure of HIV positive status OR=8.7 and was significantly associated with poor adherence to clinic visits and drug p=0.001, OR=2.9. AMPATH program provides GBV support services but are underutilized by HIV positive patients because of unawareness by the patients, and GBV not being a core business hence less focus. Conclusion: The high prevalence of physical, emotional and sexual GBV among the HIV positive women and its association with poor adherence to clinic visits and drugs emphasizes the need for screening of GBV and highlights the need to promote awareness hence utilization of the available services at AMPATH.