Determinants of HIV- AIDS prevalence among women: The case of Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze the factors of HIV prevalence among women in Côte d'Ivoire. Health indicators including high infant mortality and maternal mortality rates and a high prevalence of HIV-AIDS among women represent a serious public health concern. Improved human development infers, in addition to economic growth, an increase in the satisfaction of basic needs, including nutrition, health, education, etc. Moreover, an improved health status among women positively affects productivity, overall income, and family welfare in the case of children. This study highlights the main risk factors for HIV infection in women based on AIDS indicators survey - Côte d'Ivoire 2005. First, econometric estimates of probit models suggest a positive relationship between HIV prevalence and women between the age of 15-39. In addition, the study shows that violence against women is positively correlated with HIV prevalence. However, the econometric analysis highlights a negative relationship between the probability of HIV prevalence and two fundamental variables; the level of education and the standard of living. Finally, the probit model demonstrates that there is a high prevalence of HIV in all regions of Côte d'Ivoire except the northern region (in rural areas).