Towards and Twofold: Efficacy of HIV Intervention Strategies That Mitigate Challenges for Women in an Urban Informal Settlement, Kenya

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continue to devastate the world, particularly women in middle and low-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This is principally because it is twofold, that is, gender and context, and thus the infection patterns differ across the gender divide because of biology, physiology, socially constructed gender norms, roles, unequal power relations and social-economic inequalities. The objective of the study was to investigate the efficacy of intervention strategies mitigating the challenges faced by women living with HIV and AIDS in Majengo informal urban settlements in Nyeri County. The study used the descriptive survey design that utilised qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data from participants was collected using the snowballing method and involved in-depth interviews, structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. The study adopted the social systems theory to incorporate consciousness and phenomenology in the construction of society, such as social-economic factors that significantly influence sexual behaviour. The study assessed knowledge and use of preventive measures against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among infected women and identified risky practices and appropriate strategies for curbing the spread of the virus. The inquiry established that the success of the HIV and AIDS intervention strategies depends largely on context-specific challenges facing various populations, such as women living with HIV and AIDS in informal urban settlements. It recommends adoption of HIV and AIDS intervention strategies that mitigate gender and context-specific challenges in informal settlements, including improved infrastructure and enhanced health.