EFFECT OF RISKY SEX BEHAVIOURS ON HIV PREVALENCE AMONG WOMEN ACCESSING CARE AND TREATMENT IN LEVEL FIVE HOSPITAL COMPREHENSIVE CARE CLINIC IN MURANG’A COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

More than half of the people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) around the globe are women.
The HIV prevalence among women in Kenya is at 6.6%, twice that of men. Prevalence of HIV infection in
Murang'a County is significantly higher among women compared to men, with women having a threefold
higher likelihood of being infected (7.8% vs. 2.4%). It is still not known what causes such a high rate of incidence among adult women, particularly in Murang’a County. Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the incidence of HIV among female populations in different geographical areas, yielding diverse outcomes. The variation in the findings suggests a uniqueness of each population. Consequently, the current study
examined the effect of risky sex behaviours on HIV prevalence among women accessing care and treatment in
level five hospital comprehensive care clinic in Murang’a County, Kenya. The study respondents were women
accessing HIV care in Murang'a County level 5 hospital. A total of 167 respondents were recruited for the
study utilizing a systematic random selection procedure. The study finding indicated that risky sexual behaviours such as multiple partners, alcohol or substance abuse increased the chances of HIV prevalence by 6.545
times. The study results are expected help to the County government of Murang'a, where HIV is particularly
prevalent. The results will also help to accelerate the realization of Vision 2030 goals by illuminating the social
determinants that contribute to HIV prevalence among women in Murang’a County.