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The Intersection of Intimate Partner Violence and HIV/AIDS Among Women in India: Moving Beyond the Individual

O'Malley, Teagen (2012) The Intersection of Intimate Partner Violence and HIV/AIDS Among Women in India: Moving Beyond the Individual. Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Objective: Intimate partner violence and HIV/AIDS are two intersecting and significant public health issues impacting the health status of women living in India. Although the intersection of IPV and HIV/AIDS has been highlighted as relevant in understanding HIV transmission patterns among women, current prevention strategies have largely failed to address disease transmission. Multiple methods were conducted with the primary objectives to explore the multi-level factors connecting risk for HIV infection and incidence of IPV among women living in India, create a conceptual model outlining potential mechanisms and pathways involved, and discuss the implications for future research and practice.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search of IPV and HIV/AIDS among women living in India resulted in the synthesis of 24 research studies. The final set of literature was analyzed and organized by thematic results related to content and research design. In addition, participant observation fieldwork took place throughout June to August 2011 involving discussions with 27 key informants to learn more about the context of IPV and HIV/AIDS among women living in Andhra Pradesh, India. Discussion notes were summarized and organized based on recurring themes.

Results: More than one third of married women have experienced IPV by their husbands in India, where women now account for 40% of total HIV/AIDS infections. Findings indicate that abused wives face heightened HIV risk based both on an increased likelihood of HIV infection among husbands and elevated HIV transmission within abusive relationships. HIV/AIDS and IPV are linked, and further confounded by many cultural beliefs, norms, and social institutions that legitimize and therefore perpetuate violence against women.

Conclusion: IPV and HIV infection among Indian women is a multifaceted issue subject to an interaction among individual, relationship and situational, and sociocultural factors. Several recommendations are made to strengthen further research, practice, and policy addressing the intersection of IPV and HIV infection among women living in India. Qualitative research design, specifically community-based participatory approaches, and sound IPV measurement are required for the design of culturally appropriate interventions specific to the realities and needs of Indian women in order to prevent and treat these mutually reinforcing epidemics.


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Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
O'Malley, Teagen tlo8@pitt.eduTLO8
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairBurke, Jessicajgburke@pitt.eduJGBURKE
Committee MemberMiller, Elizabethelizabeth.miller@chp.eduELM114
Committee MemberRussell, Joannejoanner@pitt.eduJOANNER
Date: 29 June 2012
Date Type: Completion
Defense Date: 3 April 2010
Approval Date: 29 June 2012
Submission Date: 2 April 2012
Access Restriction: No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Number of Pages: 77
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Public Health > Behavioral and Community Health Sciences
Degree: MPH - Master of Public Health
Thesis Type: Master's Thesis
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: Intimate partner violence, HIV/AIDS, women, India
Date Deposited: 29 Jun 2012 21:36
Last Modified: 19 Dec 2016 14:38
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/11644

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