A study on the relation between socio-economic characteristics and HIV/AIDS among the tribal women of Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya

Abstract

The social fabric of a population is of utmost importance to know the scenario of HIV/AIDS in that

population. This paper highlights vulnerability of women towards the disease based on their socio-economic

characteristics. It is a cross-sectional study among the Jaintia tribal women of Meghalaya belonging to the

reproductive and vulnerable age group (15-35years). The methods used for data collection are structured

interview schedules, participant observation, focussed group discussions and in-depth interviews. The

findings revealed that majority of the women are poor and uneducated and as a result, this has an impact on

their role and ability to protect them from contracting the disease.