Forms of and Factors Associated With Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence by Men on Their Female Partners Following HIV Status Disclosure in the Ashanti Region of Ghana: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Men’s experiences of perpetration of intimate partner violence against their female heterosexual partners following disclosure of their HIV positive status is a global health problem. The forms of IPV and factors associated with IPV following the disclosure are under-researched. In this article, we aim to explore and describe the forms of and factors associated with men’s experiences of perpetration of IPV against their female partners following the disclosure of seropositive HIV status. Methods: An exploratory qualitative research design using an interpretive phenomenological analysis method was employed for the data collection from participants (men) who perpetrated violence against their HIV positive women. The study setting was done in two HIV clinics in two Hospitals. The study population consisted of all men whose intimate partners had been diagnosed HIV positive and made known to their partners and are seeking healthcare at the two HIV clinics. Purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit participants for the study. An interpretive phenomenological approach was employed for the collection and analysis from eighteen men whose partners had recently disclosed their seropositive HIV status. An interview guide was the tool employed for the data collection. Data collection and analysis were undertaken concurrently. Results: Most of the participants identified and described the forms of and factors associated with IPV influencing them to perpetrate IPV. Five themes and sub-themes emerged and these include; emotional factors, spousal related factors, Social related factors, Sex-related factors and some forms of IPV which were identified by participants. Each of these themes has subthemes. Conclusion: Men use different forms of IPV violence in abusing women who disclosure their HIV seropositive status. Several factors as identified in this study accounts for this partner violence. Forms and factors associated with intimate partner violence should be used as a guide in formulating policies and developing a guide that can be utilised in the early detection of IPV in this category of women.