| Title | The role of a microfinance program on HIV risk behavior among Haitian women. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2011 |
| Authors | Rosenberg, Molly S., Brian K. Seavey, Reginal Jules, and Trace S. Kershaw |
| Journal | AIDS and behavior |
| Volume | 15 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Pagination | 911-8 |
| Date Published | 2011 Jul |
| ISSN | 1573-3254 |
| Keywords | Adult, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Financing, Personal, Haiti, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Health Promotion, HIV Infections, Humans, Interviews as Topic, Male, Middle Aged, Personal Autonomy, Power (Psychology), Risk Factors, Risk Reduction Behavior, Sexual Behavior, Sexual Partners, Socioeconomic Factors, Time Factors, Young Adult |
| Abstract | Microfinance loans targeted at vulnerable female populations have the potential to foster female economic independence, possibly leading to the negotiation of safer sexual practices and reduced HIV risk. This study assessed the relationship between experience with microfinance loans and HIV risk behavior among 192 female clients of the Haitian microfinance organization Fonkoze. Clients with longer microfinance experience were generally found to have lower indicators of HIV risk behavior and higher indicators of relationship power compared to those with shorter experience. In particular, those with longer memberships were 72% less likely to report partner infidelity, were 3.95 times more likely to use condoms with an unfaithful partner, and had higher average general power index scores compared to those with shorter experience. This study provides evidence that long-term exposure to microfinance is associated with reduced HIV risk behavior in Haitian women and that this reduction may be partly regulated by influencing relationship power. These results suggest the need to further explore the use of microfinance as a tool to prevent the spread of HIV. |
| DOI | 10.1007/s10461-010-9860-3 |
| Alternate Journal | AIDS Behav |
