High rates of lifetime and recent violence observed among harder-to-reach women living with HIV

Abstract

This study examined the prevalence and correlates associated with lifetime and recent violence among a sample of harder-to-reach human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive women living in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Interviewer-led surveys with 1000 participants gathered quantitative data on social, economic, and structural characteristics such as housing status, relationship status, family structure, history of drug use, and sexual behavior. Logistic regression analysis modeled associations between independent variables and experiences of violence at baseline. Cox regression analyses with time-dependent covariates determined correlates of lifetime and recent violence among HIV-positive women. Of the 249 women in the study, an overwhelming proportion of women (81%) reported experiences of violence in their lifetime. Among those, 22% reported recent experiences of violence, and 56% of the women reported more than five violent episodes in their lifetime. Lifetime violence was independently associated with HIV-related stigma (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14-5.70), previous tobacco use (AOR = 2.79, 95% CI = 1.10-7.07), ever having a drinking problem (AOR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.28-6.23), and ever having received care for a mental health condition (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.06-5.52). Recent violence was associated with the current illicit drug use (AOR = 2.60, 95% CI = 1.14-5.90), and currently residing in unstable housing (AOR = 2.75, 95% CI = 1.31-5.78). This study underscores the need to consider potential experiences of historical and current violence as part of comprehensive care for women living with HIV.

Types and risk factors of violence experienced by people living with HIV, Pakistan: a cross-sectional study

“…Furthermore a study in Canada found that up to 81% of women living with HIV had faced acts of violence, 56% of whom reported at least five episodes of violence in their lifetime (28). This study also found that current illicit drug use was a predictor of recent experiences of violence (28). Previous studies have focused on the role of violence against HIV-positive women only (29,30) whereas our study had predominantly male participants (75.3%).…”

“…The prevalence of physical and sexual violence was found to be higher in females with HIV infection than males in India (20). Furthermore a study in Canada found that up to 81% of women living with HIV had faced acts of violence, 56% of whom reported at least five episodes of violence in their lifetime (28). This study also found that current illicit drug use was a predictor of recent experiences of violence (28).…”

Global estimate of the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among adults living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…A growing body of literature indicates that PLWH have a heightened risk for PTSD 5 6. PLWH are more likely to report a history of traumatic and stressful life experiences than the general population, including childhood sexual/physical abuse and intimate partner violence 7–9. PTSD may precede an HIV-positive diagnosis due to previous traumatic experiences.…”

Association Between Childhood Sexual Abuse and HIV-Related Risk Factors for HIV-Positive Haitian Women

“…There is overwhelming research that shows an imbalance of power in relationships and intimate partner violence is highly correlated with HIV risk (Parcesepe et al, 2015;Borwein et al, 2014;Malow et al, 2013;Teitelman, Ratcliffe, Morales-Aleman, & Sullivan, 2008;Kershaw et al, 2006). Substantial research has also been conducted in relationship control and intimate partner violence between men and women and their relationship to HIV in Haiti (Conserve, Whembolua, & Surkan, 2014;Dévieux et al, 2013b;Malow et al, 2010;Gage & Hutchinson, 2006;Gage, 2005).…”

“…and Western Europe have a substantially greater history of trauma than that of the general population (LeGrand et al, 2015;Borwein et al, 2014;Parcesepe et al, 2014;LongmanMills et al, 2013;Whetten et al, 2008).…”