Forms of and Factors Associated With Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence by Men on Their Female Partners Following HIV Status Disclosure in the Ashanti Region of Ghana: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Men’s experiences of perpetration of intimate partner violence against their female heterosexual partners following disclosure of their HIV positive status is a global health problem. The forms of IPV and factors associated with IPV following the disclosure are under-researched. In this article, we aim to explore and describe the forms of and factors associated with men’s experiences of perpetration of IPV against their female partners following the disclosure of seropositive HIV status.
 
 Methods: An exploratory qualitative research design using an interpretive phenomenological analysis method was employed for the data collection from participants (men) who perpetrated violence against their HIV positive women. The study setting was done in two HIV clinics in two Hospitals. The study population consisted of all men whose intimate partners had been diagnosed HIV positive and made known to their partners and are seeking healthcare at the two HIV clinics. Purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit participants for the study. An interpretive phenomenological approach was employed for the collection and analysis from eighteen men whose partners had recently disclosed their seropositive HIV status. An interview guide was the tool employed for the data collection. Data collection and analysis were undertaken concurrently.
 
 Results: Most of the participants identified and described the forms of and factors associated with IPV influencing them to perpetrate IPV. Five themes and sub-themes emerged and these include; emotional factors, spousal related factors, Social related factors, Sex-related factors and some forms of IPV which were identified by participants. Each of these themes has subthemes. 
 
 Conclusion: Men use different forms of IPV violence in abusing women who disclosure their HIV seropositive status. Several factors as identified in this study accounts for this partner violence. Forms and factors associated with intimate partner violence should be used as a guide in formulating policies and developing a guide that can be utilised in the early detection of IPV in this category of women.

Fear, helplessness, pain, anger: The narrated emotions of intimate femicide perpetrators in Latin America

“…Studies focused on the perpetrators have been mainly restricted to non-lethal violence, such as violence in young partners (Berggren et al, 2021), stalking (Flowers et al, 2020), sexual offences (Weldon, 2016), rape (Segato, 2003), and other situations (Apiribu et al, 2020). Researchers, such as Watt (2011), have connected violence to childhood adverse experiences and psychosocial scholars argue that experiences of abuse may cause trauma, thus creating conflicting emotions that in turn may lead to violence against women (Gadd, 2000).…”

Predictors of HIV testing among women experiencing intimate partner violence in the Central Region of Ghana

“…Inadequate testing levels among IPV victims are driven by the assertions that IPV is a risk factor for HIV infection and the fear of violence intimidates women and prevents them from accessing HIV testing services [23]. The relationship between IPV with HIV test result disclosure, for instance, has been shown to be negative as partners who disclosed their HIV test results suffered further and varied forms of IPV [24][25][26]. Women's reported satisfaction with life as a predictor of HIV testing might reflect their socioeconomic status and improved accessibility to health services, including HIV test.…”

‘Hard-pressed on every side’: Christian women’s experiences of intimate partner violence in two provinces of South Africa

“…Physical violence, for example, can be justified as self-defence. A variety of factors have been found to cause or contribute to violence, and these include individual factors such as low educational levels that lead to an acceptance of abuse, relational factors such as financial dependence on an abusive and controlling partner, and socio-cultural factors such as patriarchy that exacerbates existing inequalities (Apiribu, Duma & Ncama 2020 :15). According to Westenberg ( 2017 :1), one notable factor contributing to violence against women is the environment, and churches are one such environment that potentially perpetuates and conceals IPV.…”