Addressing intimate partner violence and power in relationships in HIV testing services: Results of an intervention piloted in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

The overarching goal of this study was to pilot an approach to HIV testing services (HTS) that addresses intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual relationship power (SRP) inequalities, and explores the intervention’s potential for improving uptake and retention of antiretroviral therapy and prevention of mother-to-child transmission services. The project was implemented in Kenyatta National Hospital’s (KNH) antenatal care (ANC) clinic, and examined intermediate indicators of effect, as well as operational issues around incorporating attention to IPV in hospital procedures, especially in high-volume, high-need settings like KNH’s. The findings from this study suggest that providing some minimal IPV/SRP counseling to all women—not just IPV screening, and not just to those who disclose violence—is warranted in settings such as HTS and ANC. This intervention—using simple tools and provider training and support—demonstrated that addressing these issues in HTS and during ANC can lead to some significant effects

    Similar works