Knowing is Not Enough: Migrant Workers’ Spouses Vulnerability to HIV

Publish Year
2017
Publisher
SAARC Journal of Tuberculosis, Lung Diseases & HIV/AIDS
Author Name
Aryal N., Regmi P.R., Teijlingen E., Dhungel D., Ghale G., Batta G.K.
Description

A cross-sectional survey among migrants' wives in two rural villages of Chitwan district, Nepal aimed to measure knowledge and attitudes around HIV and STIs and to understand women's risk perception of HIV due to their husbands' sexual behavior. Results found that nearly all (94%) of women had a good knowledge of HIV, yet, nearly half the women reported being unable to talk to their husbands about HIV and STIs, even if they suspected risk of infection. Despite women's knowledge, their inability to discuss and negotiate sexual health practices with their spouses increases their vulnerability of HIV or STIs.