Hamidi A. HIV prevention – Challenges in reaching Libyan women: A narrative review.
WOMEN'S HEALTH 2022;
18:17455057221080832. [PMID:
35220842 PMCID:
PMC8882926 DOI:
10.1177/17455057221080832]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction:
The need to effectively communicate HIV/AIDS prevention messages in
Libya, where HIV prevalence is relatively low yet increasing,
cannot be overstressed. A review of the literature on HIV
prevalence, risk factors, stigma and awareness found that there
is a lack of HIV research, information and support in the
country. This is particularly true regarding women, who account
for 25%–30% of people living with HIV in Libya.
Aim:
Drawing on the various literature, this narrative review will (1)
present a historical trajectory of Libyan women and their role
in society and (2) identify some challenges that HIV prevention
programmes face in reaching Libyan women.
Methods:
Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Cochrane
Library were searched for English and Arabic language articles.
Primary research studies and official reports indicating a
discussion or research on HIV in Libya and Libyan women were
considered. Reference lists of articles were reviewed to
identify additional studies. Thirty-seven articles dating from
1987 to 2021 were selected and critically appraised.
Results:
There is a lack of sufficient information within the existing
literature, but the gathered literature did reveal some
significant insights. Factors such as limited sexual health
education, inadequate medical services, social and cultural
restrictions and stigma, as well as limited agency, were
identified as potential barriers to women accessing crucial
information on HIV.
Conclusion:
The article found that the HIV prevention efforts that have been
carried out in Libya may be compromised as they were not
designed to recognize and adhere to sociocultural norms that
impact on Libyan women’s scope for choice and agency. By
understanding the interplay between gender, social and
structural factors in Libya, a model of better adjusted
prevention and early intervention activities could be developed;
a toolkit that conceptualizes the culture and that appreciates
the role of a Libyan woman is changing.
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