Original Research
Disabling sexualities: Exploring the impact of the intersection of HIV, disability and gender on the sexualities of women in Zambia
Submitted: 07 December 2012 | Published: 31 July 2013
About the author(s)
Anna Wickenden, Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, United KingdomStephanie Nixon, International Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation, University of Toronto, Canada
Karen K. Yoshida, Department of Physical Therapy and Graduate Department of Rehabilitation Science, University of Toronto, Canada
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to explore how HIV, disability and gender shape the perspectives of HIV-positive women with disabilities regarding intimacy and gender roles.
Methods: Twelve women in Lusaka, Zambia were recruited for in-depth semi-structured interviews to explore their experiences of having a disability and living with HIV. Interviews were conducted in English, Bemba, Nyanja and Zambian sign language. Descriptive and thematic analyses were conducted, followed by in-depth gender analyses of data relating to intimacy and gender roles.
Results: Data analysis led to the identification of two main themes: the impact of HIV diagnosis on intimate relationships amongst the participants; and the disruption and renegotiation of gender roles. These findings demonstrate the loss of intimacy (often decided by the participants) and changes in women’s gender roles (infrequently decided by them).
Conclusions: The narrow approaches to sexuality and HIV that reinforce misconceptions and stereotypes need to change. In their place should be inclusive and disability and sex-positive approaches that are informed by the diverse realities of women’s lives. Further research is needed to develop stronger evidence of the impact of HIV and disability on gender roles and sexuality.
Keywords
Metrics
Total abstract views: 8703Total article views: 15187
Crossref Citations
1. Disability and HIV in Africa: Breaking the barriers to sexual health care
Poul Rohleder
Journal of Health Psychology vol: 22 issue: 11 first page: 1405 year: 2017
doi: 10.1177/1359105316628738