Title:
Factors contributing to the vulnerability of young women aged 15-24 years to HIV in Zimbabwe
Authors:
Taderera, Fadzai Macyln
Place:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Publisher:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute [etc.]
Year:
2024
PAGE:
x, 68
Language:
En
Subject:
Governance & HIV and AIDS
Keywords:
HIV, Vulnerabilities, Young Women, Zimbabwe
Abstract:
Background: HIV remains a significant public health issue in Zimbabwe, particularly among young women aged between 15-24 years who are 4 times more likely to contract HIV than males due to intersecting risks and vulnerabilities. Preventing HIV infection among young women is key to ending AIDS by 2030 and attaining epidemic control. Objectives: To analyse factors contributing to HIV vulnerability among young women aged between 15-24 years in Zimbabwe and inform policies, guidelines and programmes aimed at mitigating this vulnerability. Methodology: The study utilised a literature review and in-depth interviews with key informants. Analysis was conducted using the health behaviour change model for HIV prevention and treatment by Kaufmann et al. (1). Findings: HIV vulnerability among young women is influenced by individual, interpersonal, community, institutional and structural factors. Key factors include lack of comprehensive HIV knowledge, low and inconsistent condom use, early sexual debut, intergenerational and age disparate relationships, intimate and gender-based violence, gender and sexual norms, marriage practices, barriers within the health system, poor socio-economic conditions, laws and policies and education. Discussion: Individual factors directly increase vulnerability, while interpersonal and community factors shape behaviour and relationships within social networks. Health system barriers hinder access to HIV preventative services and information. Structural factors create conditions that heighten HIV risk. Vulnerability among young women results from the interplay of individual, interpersonal, community, institutional and structural factors. A holistic approach addressing these underlying drivers is essential to reduce HIV vulnerability among young women in Zimbabwe.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute , VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Country:
Zimbabwe
Region:
Southeast Africa
Training:
Master of science in International Health
Category:
Research
Right:
@ 2024 Taderera
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
mSTzJJxu9B_20241105140519982.pdf