Seroprevalence, attitudes and practices of the Baka Pygmies of eastern Cameroon towards HIV and AIDS

Abstract

Introduction: The vulnerable health status of Pygmies is the result of their continual exposure to the modern world. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of HIV and the attitudes and practices of Baka populations towards HIV infection. Methodology: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted over a five-month period in 12 Pygmy camps. A questionnaire was completed to collect information, and anonymous screenings were held. For screening, whole blood was collected. The Determine HIV-1/2 test was used as the rapid test, and the SD Bioline HIV-1/2 test was used as the second test. Associations between variables were checked. Results: A total of 560 Baka were recruited. The sex ratio was 0.92. Among the means of transmission, sexual intercourse was the most frequently cited (37.6%). A minority (28.5%) knew where to undergo an HIV test, 24.2% did not know that there exists treatment enabling patients to have a higher quality of life, and 75.7% had never used a condom. A total of 86.9% had never been tested for HIV. Subjects who had sex with the Bantu were three times more likely to be infected (p = 0.02), as well as those who had had more than three sexual partners. Conclusions: The changes affecting contemporary societies are inevitably influenced by the dominant factors of modernity, particularly progress, development, and social dynamics in all their aspects. Baka knowledge about HIV/AIDS is limited. Educational efforts, increased awareness, and guidance are needed.

Cultural Sensitivity and Global Pharmacy Engagement in Africa

“…For example, with condom use reported at less than 25% and HIV testing rates at less than 15%, the Pygmy population, a remote and small indigenous group dispersed throughout the Central African rainforests, may be at higher risk for HIV than other populations. 64,65 Economic development has been limited over the past three decades because of armed conflicts in different parts of the region. These conflicts have also affected health systems, which remain largely ineffective at responding to population needs.…”

Hiv/Aids Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Among Women in South Sudan: Secondary Data Analysis - Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2010.

“…Another study on KAP among secondary student in Cameroon by Essomba, reported that all respondents were aware of HIV/AIDS (Essomba et al, 2015). This outcome shows the effect of long civil war that affected South Sudan for more than three decades, on health system and other social services.…”

“…In Cameroon, study shown that (75.7%) of participants reported having sex never used a condom during sex intercourse. But among those who used condom by gender, male used condom three time more than female (Essomba et al, 2015).…”

“…The surveyed participants in study in eastern Cameroon, (14.3%) expressed their willingness to live with an individual living with HIV, and (22.5%) were willing to share a meal with a person living with HIV, and (18.2) would sleep with HIV infected person. In gender men were more able to adopt the positive attitudes comparing to women (Essomba et al, 2015).…”

“…The group had cited the main transmission of HIV method is unprotected sex with percentage of (37.7%), followed by scarification (34.1%) and mother-to-child transmission (24.6%). Regarding HIV prevention methods, 34.6% of participants recommend the use of condoms, while 29.3% suggested fidelity and 21.9% recommend abstinence (Essomba et al, 2015).…”