Factors Determining the Vulnerability of Women to Sexually Transmitted HIV: a Literature Review

ABSTRACT

Gender-related vulnerability is described as a crucial factor contributing to increased susceptibility of women to HIV; accounting for more women than men being infected. At the same time; empowerment interventions are being promoted as effective strategies for increasing the ability of women to adopt protective behaviours. The aim of the review was to identify; collate and categorise the factors determining the gender-related vulnerability of women to sexually transmitted HIV. A review of literature from theoretical and empirical studies using diverse methodologies was undertaken. Reports included those identified through electronic and manual searching. Twenty factors; forming five clusters; were identified as influencing the ability of women to adopt protective behaviours. Each factor was analysed to describe its component parts and the relationship between a factor; gender-related vulnerability; HIV risk level and empowerment status. Further analysis provided a description of markers named predictors and indicators. The literature portrays markers that can be identified and used to describe gender equality status; HIV risk level and related empowerment. This provides the potential to identify factors in gender equality status and HIV risk level to address in programmes designed to empower women in order to lower their risk to sexually transmitted HIV