Abstract
Introduction: Female-headed women refer to women without regular attendance or a man’s supports carry the family’s economic responsibility. This definition includes divorced women, widows, women with addicted husbands, disabled or unemployed, or women whose husbands immigrated, and themselves provide living expenses.
Objectives: Given the low and vague data about the sexual behavior of women vulnerable to HIV and AIDS in the country and given the importance of the issue, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HIV infection in female-headed households in Shiraz.Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 455 female-headed households referring to charities in Shiraz. The priority related to women whose husbands have died, been imprisoned or separated because of addiction. Data including age, marital status, number of children, and high-risk behaviors of the spouse were collected by interview. ELISA test was performed for all participants and in the case of a positive test, the Western blot was performed.
Results: Totally, 455 women were included in the study. A total of 455 cases were studied, with an average age of 41.88 ± 7.88 years, and the mean number of children 2.69 ± 1.81. The highest frequency (37.58%) was for those with primary education level. Most women (68.57%) were unemployed. Of the total number of participants in the study. Regarding marital status, in most subjects, husband died (75.60%). With respect to high-risky wife behavior, 72.57% had high risk sexual behavior and 11.28% had drug abuse, the prevalence of HIV 1.53 estimated.
Conclusion: This study shows that female-headed households are at risk for HIV. If the level of physical, psychological and social life and financial support for this group of women is improved, it will ultimately reduce their negative impact on society.