Determining HIV risk for Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) in relationships with “Blessers” and age‑disparate partners: a cross‑sectional survey in four districts in South Africa
HIV incidence among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) remains high, with their male partners a prominent factor in sustaining these elevated rates. Partnership characteristics remain important metrics for determining HIV risk, with evidence indicating that AGYW engaged in transactional and age-disparate relationships facing greater HIV exposure. This study examines the risk posed to AGYW in a relationship with a “Blesser” only, defined as male who provides his female partner with their material needs or desires in exchange for a sexual relationship and age disparate (5 or more years older).
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