PROTECTIVE AND RISK FACTORS FOR HIV/AIDS IN WOMEN FROM CALI, COLOMBIA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to contribute with the health promotion of women from Cali city, in addition to sensitize to participants women about HIV/AIDS and others ITS’ problem. The goals were 1. To explore risks factors for HIV/AIDS and protective factors in women participants of this study 2. To determine the vulnerability and perception of risk for HIV/STI of women. IT was used a transversal design with survey. The total sample was 312 women from 21 Comunas of Cali, age range between 12 and 76 years. Of those 61% were sexually active; 84% reported heterosexual encounters, 11% of women had sex with more than one person in the previous 12 months: 45% perceived sexual partner’s infidelity, 51% of women from the sample felt comfortable talking with their sexual partner about their sexual life, these percentage decreased to 40% when they talked about their needs in the relationship and declined to 29% when they talked about another sexual partner. Vulnerability to AIDS is perceived for 70% of them, however, only 31% used condom because fear of AIDS. Self-esteem of these women was high; most of them had monogamous relation. Very few woman used needless for intravenous injection and shared them with others. It is analyzed aspects of empowering women as a strategy that allows to make emphasis on health promotion rather than on disease prevention.