HIV-positive women report more lifetime partner violence: findings from a voluntary counseling and testing clinic in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Maman, S.; Mbwambo, J.K.; Hogan, N.M.; Kilonzo, G.P.; Campbell, J.C.; Weiss, E.; Sweat, M.D.
American Journal of Public Health 92(8): 1331-1337
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0090-0036 PMID: 12144993 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.92.8.1331Document Number: 242625
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.