Association Between Intimate Partner Violence Against Women and HIV-Risk Behaviors: Findings From the Nepal Demographic Health Survey

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant global health issue and has been associated with an increased HIV-related risk and vulnerability to HIV infection. This study examined the potential relationship between IPV and HIV-risk behaviors among women in Nepal. Our findings revealed that IPV against women was associated with the presence of HIV-risk behaviors, such as history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), multiple sex partners, inconsistent condom use, partner with known HIV risks, and inability to negotiate safer sexual practices. This highlights a need to develop effective interventions aimed at eliminating IPV to decrease the disproportionate burden of adverse health outcomes, including STIs/HIV among women.