The unwritten rules and HIV

A qualitative study of informal institutions and HIV vulnerability among workers at social venues in Uganda

Bibliographic Data

ID22076351
AuthorsSusan Babirye (0000-0002-9121-4076, Ghent University, corresponding author), Kristien Michielsen (0000-0002-4119-6770, Ghent University), Freddie Ssengooba (0000-0003-3489-0745, Makerere University)
Year2023
Volume11
Pages1288058-1288058
Publication date2023-12-14
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2023.1288058
PMID38155895
OpenAlexW4389727079
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited42

Introduction: There is increasing appreciation of the need to understand how social and structural factors shape HIV risk. The unwritten rules, also known as informal institutions or social norms, are increasingly recognized as important determinants of HIV transmission. Unfortunately, these informal institutions, especially among high-risk environments for HIV, such as social venues like bars, lodges, remain poorly understood. This study explored the informal institutions at social venues, and how these institutions influenced vulnerability for HIV for venue workers in Uganda. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study in two districts of Kyotera and Rakai in Central Uganda. We purposively selected and interviewed 44 workers including, cleaners, waiters, and waitresses and 22 venue managers at 22 social venues to explore the informal institutions at these establishments and how the institutions shaped HIV vulnerabilities among the workers. 31.8% (14) of the participants were males, and 68.2% (30) females. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: We found that the informal institutions at the venues were both officially and socially created, communicated, and sanctioned. The most common institutions operated through; selective hiring, rigid reporting structures, and informal job contracting procedures. Meager salaries, varying and delayed payments as well as attractive benefits and bonuses from customers were also important forms of informal institutions at the venues. Drinking alcohol, and offering sexual services at the venues were acceptable, although excessive drinking, and committed sexual relationships with customers were disapproved. These informal institutions shaped a risk environment at the venues by creating risk exposure opportunities that influenced workers' engagement into sexual risk behaviors. Conclusion: The risk environment at social venues is shaped by the informal institutions at these venues. Thus, the need for venue-based HIV programs that integrate social norms interventions to better address the contextual determinants of HIV risk behaviors at the venues

Business · Economic growth · Economics · Informal sector · Qualitative research · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Sex work and related issues