Study of Gender Norms and HIV/AIDS Vulnerability Among Young Women in Delta State

Gender norms that constrain women's agency in sexual decision-making are widely recognised as structural drivers of HIV vulnerability among young women in sub-Saharan Africa, yet their specific operation in South South Nigerian contexts is underexplored. This study examines the relationship between prevailing gender norms and HIV/AIDS vulnerability among young women aged 18 to 29 in Delta State, focusing on Warri, Asaba, and Sapele communities. A cross-sectional survey was adopted, with 260 young women completing structured questionnaires covering gender norms, sexual autonomy, condom negotiation capacity, and HIV risk behaviours. Data were analysed using logistic regression, chi-square tests, and descriptive statistics. Findings reveal that young women with lower gender equality attitudes report significantly higher rates of inconsistent condom use, transactional sexual relationships, and limited ability to refuse unwanted sex. Sugar-daddy relationships driven by economic dependency are prevalent in 38% of respondents. Peer influence and partner pressure are the strongest situational predictors of condom non-use. Knowledge of HIV status through voluntary testing is low at 29%. Recommendations include gender-transformative HIV prevention programmes for young women, economic empowerment interventions addressing financial dependency, and community-based male engagement initiatives. This study contributes to HIV gender vulnerability literature in South South Nigeria. Keywords: gender norms, HIV vulnerability, young women, Delta State, sexual autonomy