Intimate Partner Violence and Communication of HIV Diagnosis in Rakai, Uganda

Abstract

Individuals who communicate their HIV diagnosis to sexual partners may be at increased risk of intimate partner violence (IPV). The authors examined past year self-reported IPV associated with communication of HIV diagnosis and other factors, in a sample of 679 sexually active; HIV-positive individuals age 18 to 49, who received HIV results and posttest counselling 12 months or more prior to the survey in Rakai, Uganda, using log-binomial multivariable regression. The rates of verbal and physical abuse among married individuals were significantly higher compared to unmarried persons, respectively. Physical abuse was significantly higher among women compared to men. IPV was not significantly associated with communication of HIV diagnosis. Interventions to prevent IPV among married HIV-positive individuals particularly women, at the community level, are needed.

Keywords::

• Intimate partner violence
• communication of HIV diagnosis
• physical abuse
• verbal abuse

Notes

The authors would like to thank the study participants and the data collectors.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the National Institutes of Health (# R01 HD 050180), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (#22006.02) and the Fogarty International Centre (#5D43TW001508). This study was also supported by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH.