The Influence of Poverty on the Socio-Economic Status of Women Living with HIV in Malawi: A Case Study of Mchinji District Hospital

Prince Henderson, Fred Wamalwa & Stephen Asatsa
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya
Email: phendreson@gmail.com

Abstract: This study investigated poverty’s impact on the socio-economic status of women living with HIV in Malawi: A case study of Mchinji district hospital. Female vulnerability in Malawi is a huge factor in the incidence and prevalence of the disease across the region and a woman’s socio-economic status (SES) frequently plays a substantial role in increasing her risk of being HIV positive, especially for women in the low socio-economic categories in Malawi. The objectives that guided this study were: to determine the influence of household income on the socio-economic status of women living with HIV, to evaluate the consequences of unemployment on the socio-economic status of women living with HIV, to examine the relationship between education level and socio-economic status of women living with HIV and to identify how household characteristics affect socio-economic status of women living with HIV at Mchinji district hospital. Findings showed that these women face poverty and income generation challenges, resorting to risky behaviours. Unemployment increased their financial burdens. Education played a role in critical thinking and preventing further infections. Household characteristics influenced family and HIV-positive women. Recommendations include economic interventions, scaling up programs for caregivers, households, orphans, and communities, and involving workers in HIV policies and programs.