Malawi Women and HIV: Socio-Cultural Factors and Barriers to Prevention

Abstract

Heterosexually transmitted HIV/AIDS continues to devastate the health and economy of sub-Saharan African countries. In Malawi, 15.4% of 15-49 year olds are infected with HIV and 18-26% of pregnant women are living with HIV. Research has shown that sociocultural factors, especially gender roles and relationships, play a significant role in the transmission of HIV in Africa but little is known about Malawi women's perspective on HIV/AIDS. What do Malawi women say about the impact of HIV/AIDS on their lives, their role in prevention, and the barriers they face in trying to stem the spread of the disease? To answer these questions, three focus groups with Malawi women were conducted and analyzed for themes. The purpose of this paper is to describe one emergent theme captured in the statement, "We are just vessels for our husbands." This theme is explicated through discussions of women's and men's images, women's roles, gender/power relationships, disempowerment, role models and empowerment. Evident in this theme are interrelated messages for those involved in HIV/AIDS prevention. Health education alone is insufficient to stem the tide of HIV in Malawi. A multidisciplinary, systematic approach that includes women's education and economic empowerment as well as modifying legal and social structures that contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS in Malawi is suggested as necessary additions to HIV and AIDS intervention programs. Only through forging partnerships between health, education, women's development groups, and political and social leaders will we be able to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS in Malawi.

Cervical Cancer Prevention in Malawi: A Qualitative Study of Women's Perspectives

“…Although Malawian gender norms have been documented as obstacles to women's health care use (Lindgren, Rankin, & Rankin, 2008;UNAIDS=World Health Organization, 2002), these norms also promote various facilitative actions. Malawian women, most often the primary caregivers in the family, are often responsible for the health and wellbeing of those around them (Lindgren et al, 2008).…”

Home deliveries: Implications for adherence to nevirapine in a PMTCT programme in rural Malawi

“…Rural women are faced with multiple challenges that prevent them from accessing health care services. Low socio-economic status and genderrelated imbalances have been cited by many studies as factors affecting rural women's utilization of health services (Ebeigbe et al, 2005;Lindgren et al, 2005). This is common in many parts of southern Africa where infant and maternal mortality rates are exceptionally high.…”

The role of men in women's acceptance of an intravaginal gel in a randomized clinical trial in Blantyre, Malawi: a qualitative and quantitative analysis

“…In many settings, including Malawi, gender inequities hinder women's power to negotiate condom use (Lindgren, Rankin, & Rankin, 2005;Logan, Cole, & Leukefeld, 2002;Miller, Zulu, & Watkins, 2001). Female-controlled protection methods, such as microbicides, are often cited as a possible solution due to the discretion and autonomy they may offer to women (Mantell et al, 2005).…”