THE INFLUENCE OF POVERTY ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF WOMEN LIVING WITH HIV IN MALAWI: A CASE STUDY OF MCHINJI DISTRICT HOSPITAL

Abstract

ABSTRACT For the purpose of this study, the Mchinji district hospital was used as a case study to investigate the ways in which poverty influences the socioeconomic position of women in Malawi who are living with HIV. The following objectives served as the foundation for this investigation: to determine the impact that household income has on the socio-economic status of women living with HIV at Mchinji District Hospital; to evaluate the effects that unemployment has on that status; to investigate the association between education level and that status; and to determine the impact that household characteristics have on that socioeconomic status. Both the Behavioural Theory of Poverty and the Structural Theory of Poverty were used as guides throughout the research project. A mixed research method was utilized for the investigation since it provides the researcher with the opportunity to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. A combination of questionnaires and focus groups was used in the data collection process. The target population of the research consisted of 3,141 persons, and the sample consisted of 342 women who were recruited from the Mchinji District Hospital. The qualitative data was gathered via the use of focused group discussions, while the quantitative data was gathered through the use of questionnaires and analysed through the use of SPSS version 25. The findings indicated that women living with HIV who were impoverished were obliged to seek out various income-generating options. These chances included having several sexual partners and trading sexual favours, both of which are associated to earning money through selling or pawning things and working irregular jobs. Women living with HIV have a tendency to bring unregistered "helpers" to work, which puts them in risk of losing their jobs and costs employers money. This behaviour is a direct result of the negative impacts of unemployment. Regarding the correlation between the amount of education attained and the socioeconomic status of HIV-positive women, it is important to note that education provides a foundation for the growth of critical thinking, which encourages HIV-positive women to establish long-term goals for themselves. These assist women delay sexual activity, which in turn reduces their risk of becoming infected with HIV and protects them from additional infections. At Mchinji District Hospital, researchers found that the characteristics of HIV-positive women's homes had an effect on the relationships that existed between HIV-positive women's family members and themselves. It has been noticed that when a parent suffers from a chronic illness, it may change the dynamics of the family and cause others to feel guilty or furious. The Mchinji District Hospital has made the observation that the HIV awareness of the women who are living with HIV is having a negative influence in the sense that getting a diagnosis has substantial economic ramifications, such as the loss of a job, which may lead to a decline in or loss of wages for the family. According to the findings of the study, women who were surviving in low-income situations need financial aid. As a direct consequence of this, their risk of being infected with HIV will be reduced. For one thing, such interventions may minimize the need for them to stay in an abusive relationship or engage in sexual activity motivated by financial gain.