HIV/AIDS: 4 common reasons women contract HIV than men
HIV/AIDS is still a significant global public health concern, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Statistics show a concerning trend in Ghana and many other regions of the region: more women than males are HIV/AIDS positive. This gender difference is not a coincidence; instead, it is a consequence of intricately linked factors that increase the risk of HIV infection in women.
The following are some elements that lead to this HIV/AIDS increase:
CULTURAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
Gender inequality: Women are frequently the weaker party in partnerships, which makes it more challenging to discuss safe sex behaviours like using condoms. The higher incidence of HIV infection among women is primarily due to this power disparity.
Economic dependence: Women who depend on male partners for financial support, as in many nations, including Ghana, may engage in transactional sex or find themselves in situations where they are unable to demand the use of condoms
Cultural norms: Women may be more susceptible to HIV as a result of specific cultural norms and practices. Early marriage and polygamy, for instance, can introduce young women to older men who may already be infected.
BIOLOGICAL FACTORS
Greater biological susceptibility: Women are more biologically sensitive to HIV infection than men are, especially when they are young. Compared to male genitalia, the vaginal lining is thinner and more prone to rips. This makes it simpler for the virus to enter the circulation when having sex without protection.
Greater viral load transmission: There is a greater chance of HIV transmission from men to women during vaginal sex because semen has a higher concentration of HIV than vaginal secretions.
BEHAVIORAL FACTORS
Many partners: Men may occasionally have more than one sexual partner, which raises the possibility that HIV will be transmitted to their female partners.
Sexual assault: Women are more likely than men to experience sexual assault, which raises their risk of contracting HIV. Forced sexual contact might result in wounds that allow the virus to enter more easily.
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
Lower educational attainment: In many areas, women are less educated than men, which may limit their understanding of HIV prevention and treatment.
Lack of awareness: Women may not receive adequate education on how to protect themselves against HIV/AIDS due to a lack of focused awareness programs that meet their unique needs and situations.
These common factors that have contributed to the rise in HIV/AIDS infections in Ghana and many parts of the world can be managed by taking these measures:
- Programs for women’s economic and social empowerment can assist them in negotiating safer sexual behaviours.
- Campaigns for education and awareness: Personalised lessons on HIV prevention for men and women.
- Enhancing the availability of healthcare services, such as diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for women
- Interventions from the legal and policy spheres: upholding the legislation against discrimination and violence against women
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