Domestic violence: The pre- and post-diagnosis experience of women living with HIV in a rural community in Northwest Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Domestic violence (DV) is a fundamental human right problem. Stigma and discrimination increase the incidence and affects care. Objectives: This study aimed at determining the prevalence, types of DV pre- and post-diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), perpetrators, and the response to it in a rural community in Northwest Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 261 women was done. The sample was selected by proportionate allocation and systematic sampling. Data of respondents were obtained employing an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The analysis was done using Chi-square, Fishers exact, and McNemar's tests. Results: Less than one-quarter of respondents, 60 (23.0%) and 62 (23.8%), had experienced at least one form of DV pre -and post-diagnosis, respectively. The types observed were mainly verbal (44/60 [73.4] and 55/62 [88.7]) and psychological (43/60 [71.6%] and 40/62 [64.5%]) pre- and post-diagnosis, respectively. The difference in the experience of DV pre- and post-diagnosiss was not statistically significant. Majority of the perpetrators were the current husband (n = 37; 59.7%) and siblings (n = 9; 14.5%); educational level and occupation were significantly associated with the occurrence of DV (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Although the prevalence of DV among women living with HIV was high, the pre- and post-diagnoses of violence experienced were the same. DV should be included as part of the care and management of this group of women.

Keywords

• domestic violence
• human immunodeficiency virus
• nigeria
• women