The relationship between gender-based violence and HIV vulnerability in Borno State
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive issue that not only infringes on human rights but also significantly heightens vulnerability to HIV infection. In Borno State, where conflicts and social instability have exacerbated vulnerabilities among women and marginalized groups, the intersection between GBV and HIV risk is particularly concerning. Recent research has increasingly focused on how violence against women—ranging from domestic abuse to sexual assault—creates environments in which women have diminished capacity to negotiate safe sexual practices, thereby increasing their susceptibility to HIV (Hassan, 2023; Musa, 2024). In conflict-affected areas of Borno, the breakdown of social structures and inadequate legal protections further contribute to the prevalence of GBV and, by extension, to heightened HIV risk.
The literature indicates that survivors of GBV are less likely to access HIV testing, counseling, and treatment services due to fear, stigma, and economic dependence on perpetrators (Abubakar, 2023). Moreover, gender inequalities in access to education and healthcare amplify the risk factors associated with both GBV and HIV. Community-based interventions that address GBV have shown promise in reducing HIV vulnerability by empowering women and promoting safer sexual practices. However, in Borno State, these interventions often face significant logistical, cultural, and security challenges. In addition, the long-term psychological and physical impacts of GBV may reduce women’s ability to adhere to HIV prevention strategies, including condom use and regular testing (Ibrahim, 2024).
Given the complex interplay between GBV and HIV vulnerability, it is imperative to understand how these phenomena reinforce one another. This study aims to investigate the relationship between gender-based violence and HIV vulnerability in Borno State by exploring the socio-cultural, economic, and structural factors that underpin this association. Through a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative data with qualitative narratives from survivors and key stakeholders, the research will offer critical insights into the mechanisms through which GBV exacerbates HIV risk. Such insights are essential for developing integrated intervention strategies that simultaneously address violence against women and HIV prevention, ultimately contributing to broader social and health improvements in the region.
Statement of the Problem
In Borno State, the high prevalence of gender-based violence is closely linked to increased HIV vulnerability among women. Incidents of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and coercive practices are widespread, creating environments where women have limited power to negotiate safe sex or seek HIV-related healthcare. This dual burden of violence and HIV risk is further compounded by socio-cultural norms that normalize GBV and discourage open discussion about sexual health (Yakubu, 2023). Additionally, many survivors of GBV experience psychological trauma and social isolation, which impede their ability to access HIV prevention and treatment services. The interplay between GBV and HIV vulnerability remains underexplored, and current interventions have not adequately addressed the unique challenges faced by women in conflict-affected areas of Borno State.
Healthcare providers and community organizations have reported that women exposed to GBV are less likely to use preventive measures such as condoms and more likely to delay HIV testing. The lack of integrated services that address both GBV and HIV further exacerbates the problem. Moreover, limited data exist on the prevalence of GBV-related HIV vulnerability in Borno, making it difficult to design targeted interventions. This research seeks to fill this gap by investigating how GBV contributes to HIV risk and identifying the factors that hinder effective prevention. The study will explore barriers such as cultural stigma, economic dependency, and inadequate legal protection, which collectively undermine women’s health and safety (Salihu, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
1. To examine the relationship between gender-based violence and HIV vulnerability among women in Borno State.
2. To identify the socio-cultural and structural factors that mediate the impact of GBV on HIV risk.
3. To recommend integrated intervention strategies that address both GBV and HIV prevention.
Research Questions
1. How does gender-based violence influence HIV vulnerability among women in Borno State?
2. What socio-cultural and structural factors exacerbate the link between GBV and HIV risk?
3. What integrated approaches can reduce the dual burden of GBV and HIV vulnerability?
Research Hypotheses
1. Women who experience higher levels of GBV are more likely to exhibit behaviors that increase HIV vulnerability.
2. Socio-cultural norms that condone GBV are significantly associated with lower rates of HIV prevention practices.
3. Integrated interventions that address both GBV and HIV can significantly reduce HIV vulnerability among affected women.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on communities in conflict-affected areas of Borno State. Data will be collected from healthcare centers, support organizations, and survivors of GBV. Limitations include difficulties in accessing conflict zones, potential underreporting of GBV, and challenges in ensuring participant safety and confidentiality.
Definitions of Terms
• Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Any harmful act directed at an individual based on their gender, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.
• HIV Vulnerability: The susceptibility of an individual or group to contracting HIV due to behavioral, social, or structural factors.
• Integrated Interventions: Strategies that combine efforts to address multiple, interrelated public health issues—in this case, GBV and HIV prevention.
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