HIV and Partner Violence: Implications for HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing Programs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Publish Year
2001
Publisher
Horizons Project
Author Name
S. Maman, J. Mbwambo, M. Hogan, G. Kilonzo, M. Sweat, E. Weiss
Description
An important component of HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) programs is encouraging clients to inform partners of their serostatus. Yet many clients do not disclose results to partners. Studies have found that a serious barrier to disclosure of status for women is fear of a violent reaction by male partners. Also, HIV-infected women are at an increased risk for partner violence. Building on previous research, this study explored the links between HIV infection, serostatus disclosure, and partner violence among women attending the Muhimbili Health Information Center, a VCT clinic in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Key findings reveal that many women lack autonomy to make decisions about HIV testing and that HIV status is strongly associated with partner violence.