Gender and HIV infection in the context of alcoholism in Kenya

Abstract

Women in sub-Saharan Africa account for more than half (58%) of people living with the HIV and it is the only continent where HIV prevalence is higher for women than for men. Studies have attributed alcoholism with the high rates of HIV infection due to its impact on sexual behaviour and arousal. African countries with high rates of alcoholism also reportedly have higher rates of HIV infection. This study explores rural communities' perspectives on the risk factors for HIV infection among women who are in alcohol discordant relationships where the man drinks alcohol excessively. Data were gathered through focus group discussions in rural central Kenya where alcoholism has reached epidemic levels. Key findings indicate the perceived severity of alcoholism, the perceived impact of alcoholism on men's reproductive health and the unmet sexual and reproductive needs of women in alcohol discordant relationships. Women engage in risky sexual behaviours in an attempt to meet these needs. Such risky behaviour in addition to alcohol-related sexual violence and low response-efficacy for safer sexual practices make them vulnerable to HIV infection and enhances the spread of HIV within communities. The study concludes that in preventing HIV infection among women in alcohol communities affected by alcohol, it is important to focus on their response efficacy. Intervention programmes that focus on HIV prevention among older married women and that integrate alcohol and HIV prevention are long overdue.

A Systematic Review of Substance Use and Substance Use Disorder Research in Kenya

“…The studies were conducted between 2004 and 2020. Data was collected using several approaches including in-depth interviews (IDIs) only (n=6) (117)(118)(119)(120)(121), focus group discussions (FGDs) only (n=2) (122,123), a combination of FGDs and IDIs (n=10) (114,(124)(125)(126)(127)(128)(129)(130)(131)(132), a combination of observation and individual IDIs (120,133), a combination of observation, IDIs and FGDs (134), a combination of literature review, observation, IDIs and FGDs (132). One study utilized the participatory research and action approach (135).…”

“…The study populations for the qualitative studies included persons using heroin (129,133) Various themes were explored in these qualitative studies including risk and protective factors for substance use (120,127,131,134), health and or socioeconomic effects of substance use (119,122,123,130,132), perceptions on heroin use (133), transitions from heroin smoking to injection (117), and stages of change in participants enrolled in an intervention (121). Substance use was perceived as having a negative socio-economic and health impact (122,132).…”

Influence of Strategic Management Practices on the Performance of Private Universities in Kenya

“…It is considered that implementation process of the increasing expectations from private universities can be made possible by good management of these institutions, and this can be achieved when private universities adapt and implement a more professional management style along with the concept of strategic management (Nzuki, 2014). In parallel with the changes, transformations and extension in higher education and other fields in the world, the demand for higher education has also increased rapidly in Kenya as well (Muturi, 2014). A 2017 report by CUE shows that the number of chartered private universities has reached 30 in total (see Appendix III).…”

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“…Three studies explored perceptions of service providers and communities on the effects of alcohol use. Alcohol use was perceived as having a negative impact on sexual and reproductive health [53,54] and on socio-economic status [43,46]. One study explored the reasons for alcohol use among PLHIV and found that reasons for alcohol use included stigma and psychological problems, perceived medicinal value, and poverty [60].…”