Alcohol abuse, gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS in Botswana: establishing the link based on empirical evidence

Abstract

The existence of gender-based violence has been a source of concern within the public and private sectors as well as civil society organisations in Botswana. The present study investigated the link between alcohol abuse, gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS. Further, it attempted to unravel the often unquestioned assumption that gender-based violence is perpetuated by cultural practices. Case study qualitative methodology was used to gather data for the study. A sample of 20 cases was selected purposively from five women's non-governmental organisations. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with agency coordinators, social workers, police commanders and police officers. The findings of the study revealed a relationship between alcohol abuse and gender-based violence, which makes victims vulnerable to HIV infection. From the findings, it is recommended that gender-based programmes be established to sensitise people about the link between alcohol abuse, gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS.

Alcohol Use and Sexual Risks for HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa: Systematic Review of Empirical Findings

“…In Uganda, for example, half of women who had been abused reported that their partner drank and one in four reported that their partner drank frequently (Koenig et al, 2003). The association between relationship violence and HIV risk is at least partly accounted for by alcohol use (Phorano, Nthomang, & Ntseane, 2005). Although it is clear that alcohol consumption and sexual violence are related, their temporal association is less clear.…”

The Epidemiology of Addiction in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Synthesis of Reports, Reviews, and Original Articles

“…However, in another study in the same region of Kenya, Shaffer et al 52 found no difference in the rate of hazardous alcohol consumption as defined by the WHO Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) among 299 patients (average age 39, 55% men) with and without HIV. In Botswana, Phorano et al 53 used qualitative methods to gather data from 20 participants from five women's nongovernmental organizations and conducted in-depth interviews with key informants, including social workers and police officers. They found that there was a relationship between alcohol abuse and gender-based violence, making the victims vulnerable to HIV infection.…”

Effect of Alcohol on Central Nervous System and HIV Infection: A Study on Dhankuts Living in District Bahraich of Uttar Pradesh, India

“…In Uganda, for example, half of women who had been abused reported that their partner drank and one in four reported that their partner drank frequently (Koenig et al 2003). The association between relationship violence and HIV risk is at least partly accounted for by alcohol use (Phorano et al 2005). Although it is clear that alcohol consumption and sexual violence are related, their temporal association is less clear.…”