%A Teagen  O'Malley
%T The Intersection of Intimate Partner Violence and HIV/AIDS Among Women in India: Moving Beyond the Individual
%X 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.
%D 2012
%K Intimate partner violence, HIV/AIDS, women, India
%I University of Pittsburgh
%L pittir11644