| Do the factors associated with female HIV infection vary by socioeconomic status in Cameroon? |
| Authors: |
Mumah J.N., and Jackson-Smith D. |
| Source: |
Journal of Biosocial Science, 46(4):431-48. doi: 10.1017/S0021932013000631. |
| Topic(s): |
HIV/AIDS
Women's health
|
| Country: |
Africa
Cameroon
|
| Published: |
JUL 2014 |
| Abstract: |
One of the most consistent findings in social epidemiology is an inverse relationship between indicators of SES and most types of illness. However, a growing body of research on HIV in sub-Saharan Africa suggests an intriguing reversal of this pattern, particularly with respect to HIV among women. In Cameroon, specifically, high-SES women have higher rates of HIV infection compared with low-SES women. Using data from the 2004 Cameroon DHS, this study explored the relationships between SES and HIV and tested a multivariate model designed to highlight the distinctive factors associated with increased risk of HIV among women in different SES classes. The results revealed that high-SES women who reported engaging in riskier sexual behaviour had the highest levels of HIV infection. Surprisingly, among this group increased knowledge of HIV, more domestic decision-making authority and access to health care did not reduce vulnerability. Meanwhile, among low-SES women relative gender inequality was significantly related to HIV risk. Specifically, among this group of women, having a partner with higher education was strongly associated with greater HIV risk. The results suggest that different approaches targeting each sub-group are needed to effectively combat the disease. |
|