title: The role of a microfinance program on HIV risk behavior among Haitian women.
abstract: Microfinance loans targeted at vulnerable female populations have the potential to foster female economic independence, possibly leading to the negotiation of safer sexual practices and reduced HIV risk. This study assessed the relationship between experience with microfinance loans and HIV risk behavior among 192 female clients of the Haitian microfinance organization Fonkoze. Clients with longer microfinance experience were generally found to have lower indicators of HIV risk behavior and higher indicators of relationship power compared to those with shorter experience. In particular, those with longer memberships were 72% less likely to report partner infidelity, were 3.95 times more likely to use condoms with an unfaithful partner, and had higher average general power index scores compared to those with shorter experience. This study provides evidence that long-term exposure to microfinance is associated with reduced HIV risk behavior in Haitian women and that this reduction may be partly regulated by influencing relationship power. These results suggest the need to further explore the use of microfinance as a tool to prevent the spread of HIV.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College St., New Haven, CT 06520, USA. msr2a@email.unc.edu
authors.forename: Molly S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Rosenberg
authors.forename: Brian K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Seavey
authors.forename: Reginal
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jules
authors.forename: Trace S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Kershaw
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005382:Financing, Personal; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000191:economics* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D006205:Haiti; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011209:Power, Psychological; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult