Domestic Violence: The Pre‑ and Post‑diagnosis Experience of Women Living with HIV in a Rural Community in Northwest Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Domestic violence (DV) is a fundamental human right problem. Stigma and discrimination increase the incidence and affects care.

Objectives: This study aimed at determining the prevalence, types of DV pre‑ and post‑diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV),
perpetrators, and the response to it in a rural community in Northwest Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive and cross‑sectional study of 261 women was done. The sample was selected by proportionate allocation and systematic sampling. Data of respondents were obtained employing an interviewer‑administered questionnaire. The analysis was done using Chi‑square, Fishers exact, and McNemar’s tests.

Results: Less than one‑quarter of respondents, 60 (23.0%) and 62 (23.8%), had experienced at least one form of DV pre ‑ and post‑diagnosis, respectively. The types observed were mainly verbal (44/60 [73.4] and 55/62 [88.7]) and psychological (43/60 [71.6%] and 40/62 [64.5%]) pre‑ and post‑diagnosis, respectively. The difference in the experience of DV pre‑ and post‑diagnosiss was not statistically significant. Majority of the perpetrators were the current husband (n = 37; 59.7%) and siblings (n = 9; 14.5%); educational level and occupation were significantly associated with the occurrence of DV (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Although the prevalence of DV among women living with HIV was high, the pre‑ and post‑diagnoses of violence experienced were the same. DV should be included as part of the care and management of this group of women.

Keywords: Domestic violence, human immunodeficiency virus, Nigeria, women