Social networks, mobility, and HIV risk among women in the fishing communities of Lake Victoria
Year: 2022
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Population mobility is a demonstrated barrier to reducing HIV incidence. A clear understanding of social networks and their influence on mobility among women in the fishing communities of Lake Victoria may contribute to tailoring effective interventions that suit the needs of these mobile women. METHODS: A cross-sectional qualitative methods study was conducted to understand mobility patterns among women resident and or working in fishing communities of Lake Victoria in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The study was conducted in six fishing communities from March 2018 to June 2019. The communities were purposively selected, based on population size (1000 people or more) and HIV prevalence of > 15% among women aged 18 years or older who had lived in the fishing community for at least six months. In-depth interviews were conducted with 24 key informants and 72 women from the sites in the three countries. Questions focused on women's social networks and other factors that fuelled or facilitated women's mobility as well as challenges they faced due to mobility. Data analysis followed a thematic framework approach. RESULTS: Different social groupings/networks existed among women in the fishing communities of Lake Victoria. These included female sex workers, women fish processors/traders, women bar workers/owners, restaurant workers, and family networks. Networks encouraged mobility, supporting finding work opportunities, but also increased sexual risks through partner changes. The benefits of networks included information sharing, financial support, and group protection, especially against violence. CONCLUSION: Social networks and groupings among women in the fishing communities of Lake Victoria could be useful in tailoring HIV prevention and HIV care interventions to suit the needs of these highly mobile populations.
Source: BMC Women s Health
Authors: Sarah Nakamanya, Elialilia S. Okello, Zachary A Kwena, Gertrude Nanyonjo, Ubaldo M Bahemuka, Freddie M Kibengo, Ali Ssetaala, Elizabeth Bukusi, Saidi Kapiga, Pat Fast, Janet Seeley, The Lake Victoria Consortium for Health Research (LVCHR) Kidega
Institutions: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Medical Research Council, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, UVRI-CRP Initiative, Stanford University
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,590
Awards: Social Aspects of Health across the Life Course Programme, G4445109999, Impact of alcohol-focused interventions on treatment outcomes amongst HIV patients in Tanzania and South Africa: A feasibility study, Building a sustainable model to promote menstrual, sexual and reproductive health (MSRH) amongst secondary school girls in Tanzania
OpenAlex ID: W4313417657