HIV Positive Women in Bangladesh: Lived Experiences, Vulnerabilities and Sexual Health Knowledge

Sifat E Sultana^1,

¹Senior Lecturer, Department of Sociology, East West University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Cite this paper

Sifat E Sultana. HIV Positive Women in Bangladesh: Lived Experiences, Vulnerabilities and Sexual Health Knowledge. American Journal of Public Health Research. 2017; 5(6):190-196. doi: 10.12691/AJPHR-5-6-5

Abstract

Though HIV prevalence has taken downward stream around the world, a gradual rise of HIV status has been detected among the women in Bangladesh. Women in Bangladesh usually face various challenges due to lack of unequal power relation and poor negotiable capacity with their counterparts during sex. This study intended to explore and document the psychological, social and sexual challenges faced by the women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWHAs) in the context of Bangladesh and to identify the gaps in their HIV/AIDS related knowledge. A qualitative research approach including in-depth interview and case study has been applied to understand the nature of prevalent challenges. Interviews were conducted at Ashar Alo Society, a renowned NGO which works with people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs). Findings include women’s powerlessness for negotiation and lack of knowledge about the spread of HIV infection such as how to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Lack of accessibility and availability of HIV information and its prevention aggravate their situations and make their lives more challenging, vulnerable and complicated. Further research related to counterparts’ beliefs and perception on women’s sexual autonomy, nature of stigma and discrimination among women have been recommended. Finally, a meaningful engagement and participation of women in policy making has been proposed for assuaging the agonies of women in the long run.

Keywords

HIV, women, stigma and discrimination, vulnerabilities, sexual health knowledge, Bangladesh

Copyright

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

References

[1]	Saad, B. M. et al, “Awarness and Vlnerability to HIV/AIDS among Young Girls”, Social and Behavioral Sciences, 195-203. 2013.
[2]	UNICEF ‘HIV and AIDS in Bangladesh’. Dhaka; 2009. http://www.unicef.org/bangladesh/HIV_AIDS%281%29.pdf.
[3]	Mukhopadhayay, S, et al, “Living Under a Shadow: Gender and HIV/AIDS in Delhi”, Institute of Social Studies Trust, New Delhi, 2001.
[4]	Basu, A. Menon, R. “Violence Against Women, HIV/AIDS Vulnerability and the Law Global Commission on HIV and the Law”, 2011. http://www.hivlawcommission.org/index.php/working-papers?task=document.viewdoc&id=103.
[5]	Nadinda et al., “Community Attitudes towards Individuals Living with HIV in Rural Kwa-Zlu Natal, South Africa”. AIDS Care, 19(1). 92-101. 2007.
[6]	Zhou, Y. R. “If You get AIDS You have to endure it alone: Understanding the Social Constructions of HIV/AIDS in China”. Social Science and Medicine, 65. 284-295. 2007.
[7]	Goffman, E. Stigma: Notes on the Management of a Spoiled Identity. Harmonds worth: Penguin, 1963.
[8]	Fortenberry, J. “Relationship of Stigma and Shame to Gonorrhea and HIV Screening” American Journal of Public Health. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1447083/.
[9]	Bruyn, M. De. “Women, Reproductive Rights, and HIV/AIDS: Issues on Which Research and Interventions are still Needed”. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 24(4). 413-425.2006.
[10]	Sultana, S. E. “Impacts of Internal Stigma among the People Living with HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh: An Empirical Account”. Asian Social Science 10(19). 180-190. 2014.
[11]	BDHS, “HIV/AIDS related Knowledge, Attitudes and Behavior”. Dhaka; Bangladesh. 2014.
[12]	Haider et al., “Bangladesh HIV/AIDS Communication Challenges and Strategies”. Bangladesh Medical Research Council, 34. 54-61.
[13]	Miles, M., Huberman, A. Qualitative Data Analysis: A Sourcebook of New Methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. 1994.
[14]	UNICEF “Assessment of Risk and Vulnerability of Children and Women to HIV in Bangladesh”. Dhaka; 2007.
[15]	NASP, “National Strategic Plan for HIV/AIDS 2004-2010” Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. 2005.
[16]	Habib, S. E. “Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh: An Empirical Account”. Social Science Review. 26(1). 158-171. 2009.
[17]	Khandaker, H. H. “AIDS threat looms up: Aggressive surveillance needed”, The Daily Star, p. A9. 14 December. 2013.
[18]	Baden et al., “Gender, HIV/AIDS Transmission and Impacts: A Review of Issues and Evidence”, Institute of Development Studies, BRIDGE. 1998.
[19]	Paxton, S. “AIDS-related Discrimination in Asia”. AIDS Care. 17(4). 413-424.2005.
[20]	UNAIDS, “People Living with HIV Stigma Index: Study in Bangladesh”. Dhaka; UNAIDS Bangladesh. 2008.
[21]	Kumarasamy et al., “Barriers and Facilitators to Antiretroviral Medication Adherence Among Patients with HIV in Chennai, India: A Qualitative Study”. AIDS Patient Care. 19(8). 526-537. 2005.
[22]	Das, T. K. “The Situation of HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh: An Exploration”. Asian Affairs. 30(3). 28-39. 2009.
[23]	Blessed, A., Ogbalu, A. “Experience of HIV-related Stigma by People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), based on Gender: A Case of PLWHA attending Clinic in the Federal Medical Center, Owerri, Imo States, Nigeria”. Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology. 5(11). 435-439. 2013.
[24]	Brouard, P., Wills, C. “A Closer Look: The Internalization of Stigma Related to HIV”. Geneva, UNAIDS, 2006. http://www.policyproject.com/pubs/Generalreport/GEN-Internal Stigma.pdf.
[25]	Morrison, K. “Breaking the cycle: Stigma, Discrimination, Internal Stigma and HIV”. Geneva, UNAIDS. 2006. http://www.policyproject.com/pubs/generalreport/Breaking_the_cycle.pdf.