Problems of HIV Infected Women: A Case Study in Central Division of Embu District
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Date
2014-10-13
Authors
Kariuki, Jane Wawira
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
The study focused on problems affecting HIV/AIDS infected women in Central Division
of Embu District. The sample population was 100 HIV/AIDS infected women but I was
able to work with only 82 women ranging from 15 years - 49 years.
From the findings HIV/AIDS infected women are suffering a lot. The major problems
they are experienced are lack of ARV drugs in local dispensaries and hospitals. They
are equally expensive for them to afford. Financial difficulties are also noted. Where
most women earn very little to sustain their medical bills and attend to other family
matters. Children of the single parents often leave school to look for alternative sources
of income. Food is a nightmare in the above families let alone a balanced diet. The very poor who live in the slums relay on well wishers. Discrimination is featuring at home, hospital, places work and neighbourhood. Women seem to experience the highest level of discrimination from the neighbourhood. This makes them suffer from low self esteem and stress. Some of the women are rejected and they have no homes. Especially the women who are widowed suffer most. Most women blame their spouses for the virus with a small number blame themselves.
The educated women are able to say no to unprotected sexual practices. While a small
number of women are still careless about their sexual behaviour. For some, sex no longer matters to them for fear of re-infections. Those that are still sexually active use methods such as condom, withdrawal, abstainance and being faithful to their partners.
Within the six wards, I visited Majengo ward was highly affected by AID. Most of the
residents there are single parents with many children who don't attend school. Christians talks freely about HIV/AIDS while Muslims are abit closed due to religious beliefs. The majority of women believe that anyone can get HIV/AIDS unlike the primitive
ideology that treats HIV/AIDS for the prostitutes, immoral, policeman etc.
Most women are dissatisfied with the effort of the government to arrest the problem.
People are still dying and the rate of infection is still high. The poor are the most affected
for they cannot avoid ARVs.