Review of the evidence of gender-focused interventions including men to reduce HIV risk and violence against women in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACT This review investigates gender-informed intervention studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa that measure an outcome related to HIV. The review included 20,340 abstracts published between January 1990 and July 2015, 84 of which met our inclusion criteria for full review, resulting in 17 articles that are the current analysis. The findings demonstrate a wide variation in the types of interventions, from low-intensity educational content to multicomponent interventions. The review groups study outcomes into biological, HIV risk interventions, behavioral, violence, and risk reduction. Most interventions showed positive effects, and although research methodologies varied considerably, longer interventions appeared to be more effective. Cultural and behavioral practices require a multidimensional interventional approach to prevent the spread of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Studies of sexual violence, oppressive cultural norms, and cultural acceptance of men having multiple partners may contribute to disproportionate HIV rates in the region.