Intimate Partner Violence and Perinatal HIV Transmission
Diagnosis of HIV in women can trigger intimate partner violence (IPV) as issues of disclosure to her partner or accusations of unfaithfulness in the relationship arise. Researchers in South Africa found that women who were diagnosed HIV-positive during pregnancy may have reduced use of condoms, increasing risks of perinatal transmission. Providers should be alert for indications of IPV and address it immediately in order to ensure the best possible outcome for the health of the infant.
Citation:
Hatcher AM, Woollett N, Pallitto CC, Mokoatle K, Stockl H, MacPhail C, Delany-Moretlwe S, Garcia-Moreno C. Bidirectional links between HIV and intimate partner violence in pregnancy: implications for prevention of mother-to-child transmission. J Int AIDS Soc. 2014 Nov 3;17:19233. doi: 10.7448/IAS.17.1.19233. eCollection 2014.
