POZ - January #131 : Thai-ing the Knot

Most Popular Lessons
	The HIV Life Cycle Shingles Herpes Simplex Virus Syphilis & Neurosyphilis Treatments for Opportunistic Infections (OIs) What is AIDS & HIV? Hepatitis & HIV

January 2007

Thai-ing the Knot

by Lucile Scott

Where marriage puts people at high risk for HIV infection

According to a recent study by the Thai Public Health Ministry, 30% of Thailand’s new HIV infections occur in married women, a rate higher than that of men who have sex with men (20%) and intravenous drug users (10%). Worldwide, an estimated 80% of newly infected women report practicing monogamy within a marriage or a longterm relationship. Nazneen Damji, an HIV specialist at UNIFEM, the UN agency focusing on women’s issues, says many unfaithful men view using a condom as an admission of infidelity, and women feel powerless to demand latex—or may simply wish to become pregnant. Prevention programs must encourage men and women to communicate about sexual behavior and then empower women by building their leadership skills and self-esteem, she says, adding that “new laws and other efforts must transform social expectations to allow women to live independent lives socially and eco-nomically.” No small change.

[Go to top]

Quick Links

	Current Issue


	HIV 101
	HIV Testing
	Safer Sex
	Find a Date
	Newly Diagnosed

	Disclosing Your Status
	POZ TV
	Read the Blogs
	Visit the Forums
	Women
	African American
	Latino
	Community
	Advocacy
	Job Listings
	Events Calendar
	Starting Treatment
	My Cool Tools

complexlogic
New York City
New York

zachowell86
Birmingham
Alabama

Rafaelres
Dallas
Texas

coreyv
miami
Florida

Click here to join POZ Personals!

Talk to Us

Poll

Survey

What Would You Do to End AIDS?

We welcome your comments!

[ about Smart + Strong \| about POZ \| POZ advisory board \| partner links \| advertising policy \| advertise/contact us \| site map]

© 2012 Smart + Strong. All Rights Reserved. Terms of use and Your privacy. Smart + Strong® is a registered trademark of CDM Publishing, LLC.