Abstract Background In sub-Saharan Africa, HIV/AIDS profoundly impacts women, intertwining with a range of socioeconomic, health, and environmental challenges that vary widely between regions. This study dives into the lives of women living with HIV in rural areas Malawi and Kenya. Method For this cross-sectional study, employing quantitative methods and the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) framework, we explored how different factors such as sociodemographic profiles, socioeconomic factors, housing conditions, food security, and economic crises shape their experiences to highlight key disparities and commonalities. Results The analysis revealed that while age distributions and literacy rates were similar, reflecting global HIV trends, there were significant differences in educational attainment, income levels, and debt, necessitating targeted interventions. Housing conditions and appliance ownership varied, indicating different environmental health impacts across the regions. Notably, Kenya is facing a severe food security crisis that demands immediate action, and both countries are grappling with economic challenges spurred by environmental disasters and healthcare costs. Implications and Conclusion This study contributes valuable insights into the unique and shared socioeconomic challenges faced by women living with HIV in Malawi and Kenya. It underscores the need for holistic, targeted public health strategies to enhance health outcomes, education, and economic stability for women living with HIV in resource limited areas. The findings advocate for collaborative efforts among policymakers, healthcare providers, and development practitioners to tailor interventions that address the specific needs of this vulnerable population, aiming to improve their quality of life and overall well-being.
Kako et al. (2026) studied this question.