31 July 2017

New research in KwaZuluNatal, South Africa found that among pregnant women with no previous history of intimate partner violence, those who were diagnosed with HIV were twice as likely to suffer from intimate partner violence compared to those not diagnosed with HIV. According to Dr. Ali Groves, lead researcher, these findings can translate beyond South Africa as factors that contribute to women living with HIV's vulnerability to intimate partner violence are not unique to any country. "It is valuable to have a picture of who is at risk because intimate partner violence negatively affects HIV positive women's ability to adhere to their medications and to engage in care, both of which can negatively affect their health and well-being, as well as the well-being of their infants," said Groves. "Better knowing who's at risk means we can implement prevention interventions in the antenatal and postnatal clinic setting to positively impact their health."