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Abstract
Fear of HIV serodisclosure and ART success: the agony of HIV positive married women in Zambia.
Zulu K.P.1
Introduction: ART is a life long commitment and success depends heavily on patients’ adherence and a supportive environment. For married women, HIV serodisclosure to partners is critical. Objectives of the study were to assess HIV serodisclosure and ART success among married women in Zambia.
Methods: Married women on ART completed standardized questionnaire including in-depth oral interviews. Among questions included were on HIV serodisclosure to a partner and cultural observance, ART adherence, partner sexual behavior and legal protection. The study area was across five (5) districts. (Lusaka, Ndola, Kitwe, Livingstone and Mansa)
Results: Out of 560 women, who participated, 66% did not disclose the status to a partner due to fear of blame, abandonment and losing the economic support of their partner. Data cite courts of law in Zambia to be driving fear of disclosure in women, as divorce is granted to men on the grounds that a wife went for VCT and is on ART without approval. Men’s cultural control of sex and matrimonial decisions suggests women’s exposure to possible re-infection. More than 21% had their regimen shared in half with a non-tested husband. The results further suggest that 76% did not adhere to ART regimen as prescribed because they are trying to hide their pills. 94% had no access to legal protection.
Conclusions: Although more men in Zambia access ART, data analysis suggests that women have superior clinical outcomes once on ART when supported. But gender-based violence, denial and fear of HIV serodisclosure to partners, and the customary law, which has disadvantaged women for decades, undo would-be success. ART success in women depends on the legal rights and freedoms, supportive cultural behavior and an enabling health care system. Thus, legal and health-care system is a major entry point to ending this conspiracy of customary law, culture and violence against women
The 3rd IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment
Abstract no.
TuPe11.9C03
Suggested Citation
" Zulu K.P.
Fear of HIV serodisclosure and ART success: the agony of HIV positive married women in Zambia..
Poster Exhibition:
The 3rd IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment:
Abstract no.
TuPe11.9C03"
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