ISSN 2736-1578
African Journal of Gender and Women Studies ISSN: 2736-1578, Vol. 10 (2), pp. 001-013, February, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Perception of Gender Norms and Practices on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Care Continuum among Selected Households in Cross River State
Peters Adekoya1, Faith Dahbyen Lannap1, Anne Fatima Ajonye1, Stanley Amadiegwu2, Charity Elochukwu1, Ifeyinwa Okereke1, Christopher Ayaba Aruku1, Grace Kumolu1, Ayodotun Olutola1, Doreen Magaji3
1Centre for Clinical Care and Clinical Research, Abuja, Nigeria.
2Catholic Relief Services, Abuja, Nigeria.
3United States Agency for International Development, Nigeria.
Abstract
Received 03 January, 2025; Revised 07 February, 2025; Accepted 10 February, 2025; Published 04 March, 2025
Background: Pervasive gender-related inequality has translated into a range of negative health outcomes for all people especially for women and girls. The study assessed the influence of gender norms and roles on HIV care continuum among selected households in Cross River State, Nigeria. Method: A cross-sectional survey was employed for the study. Multi-stage cluster and purposive sampling strategy was adopted to select 720 households from 4 LGAs in Cross River State. Primary data was collected on questionnaire coded in kobo collect software tool. Responses were analysed using STATA 14 data analytical application. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted. Result: 72% of the respondents did not perceive restrictive gender norms as barrier for HIV prevention and continuum of care. 64% of men restrict mobility of children living with HIV to access care except with permission. 48% of rural residents were likely to experience negative gender norms and faces barriers for HIV prevention or access care compared to urban residents (OR = 47.65 (95% CI: 25.8-87.7). Conclusion: Access to HIV prevention and continuum of care services can be improved by increasing women’s decision-making power within the households, influencing communities to practice positive gender norms that encourages women to also control resources.
Keywords: Gender Norms, HIV Care Continuum, Household, Power Imbalance, Anti-Retroviral Therapy, Caregiver.