The prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) among women living in Haiti increased from 25% in 2006–29% in 2012, with escalating reports of crisis in the last several years. We examined the association between IPV and HIV status among these women in Haiti. Participants were drawn from a larger sample of women (n = 513) with a history of IPV. Women living with HIV (n = 55) were matched to uninfected women (n = 110) to form a control group. Attitudes towards gender roles, mental and physical well-being, and partner violence were assessed and compared.

Haitian women are twice as likely as men to have HIV/AIDs. Factors underlying the feminization of HIV are complex. Self-esteem is an important correlate of sexual behavior. However, its meaning and impact on health behaviors may be influenced by cultural factors. This qualitative study took place in Haiti 4 months after the 2010 earthquake and examines the meaning of self-esteem among young Haitian women seeking treatment for a recurrent sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Background:
Despite the importance of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission through heterosexual contact, the incidence of HIV infection in heterosexual cohorts has not been well studied, particularly in the developing world.

Objective:
To 1) determine the incidence of HIV infection in discordant heterosexual couples [couples in which one partner had HIV infection and the other did not] in Haiti and 2) assess risk factors for and methods of preventing HIV infection.

Design:
Prospective study.