| Women's Autonomy in Negotiating Safer Sex to Prevent HIV: Findings From the 2011 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey |
| Authors: |
Kimm, Heejin; Atteraya, Madhu Sudhan; Song, In Han |
| Source: |
AIDS Education and Prevention, Volume 26 (1), 1-12 |
| Topic(s): |
HIV/AIDS
Sexual behavior
Women's autonomy
|
| Country: |
Asia
Nepal
|
| Published: |
FEB 2014 |
| Abstract: |
Women with greater autonomy have higher HIV-related knowledge and
condom use. Inability to negotiate safer sex in high-risk situations might
increase HIV infection. This study examined the relationship between women’s
autonomy and ability to negotiate safer sex practices among married
women. The 2011 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey data were used.
The data were collected by two-stage stratified cluster sampling and faceto-
face interviews. Autonomy was measured in Decision-Making Participation
and Assets Ownership, while ability to negotiate safer sex consists of
Refusal of Sex and Ask for Condom Use. Among 12,674 women of 15–49
years, married women were analyzed (n = 8,896). Women with greater
autonomy in decision-making participation were more likely to negotiate
safer sex. After controlling for socio-demographic factors, odds ratios (OR)
for refusal of sex was 2.70 (95% CI [2.14, 3.40]) in women with the highest
decision-making participation. These women showed higher OR for ‘ask
for condom use’ in high risk situations (2.10, 95% CI [1.81, 2.44]). Assets
ownership also demonstrated a positive statistical relationship with asking
for a condom use (OR 1.31, 95% CI [1.10, 1.56]). The results point to the
importance of women’s autonomy on sexual health. It emphasizes women’s
empowerment-based approach to curbing HIV/AIDS in developing countries. |
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