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Micro-credit, Women’s Groups, Control of Own Money: HIV-Related Negotiation Among Partnered Dominican Women

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Abstract

A sample of 356 members of women’s groups, aged 18–49, in the Dominican Republic were interviewed by trained female interviewers. Data among 273 partnered women were analyzed. The dependent variable, a measure of HIV-related negotiation, was examined for associations with control of own money, level of women’s group participation, and ever having received a loan through a micro-credit program. Findings suggest control of own money to be significantly associated with HIV-related negotiation. Ever having received a loan and level of women’s group participation, however, were not significantly associated with HIV-related negotiation. Empowerment measured as control of own money may influence HIV protective behavior among partnered women in this setting.

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Acknowledgments

This research was conducted with the generous support of the Fogarty International AIDS Training Program and in collaboration with Mujeres en Desarrollo Dominicana, Inc.

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Correspondence to Kim Ashburn.

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Ashburn, K., Kerrigan, D. & Sweat, M. Micro-credit, Women’s Groups, Control of Own Money: HIV-Related Negotiation Among Partnered Dominican Women. AIDS Behav 12, 396–403 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-007-9263-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-007-9263-2

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