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Socio-Cultural Determinants of HIV/AIDS Transmission: Implications for Prevention in Fundong Health District of the North West Region of Cameroon

Calvin Ncha OyongAkom1*, Douglas F. E. Nwagbo2

Introduction: Despite the efforts put in place by the Cameroon government to prevent the spread of HIV in Cameroon, new cases of infections keep increasing over the years. This is partly because the cultural aspect as a predisposing factor to the transmission of the virus is always neglected. The study was aimed at identifying cultural determinants that leads to the transmission of HIV, including sexual behaviors and challenges HIV patients face. The purpose is to present empirical evidence for stake holders and policy makers to utilize in order to curb the spread of HIV.

Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study design was used where 288 HIV patients were randomly selected from HIV patients visiting Fundong District Hospital and St. Martin de Porres Catholic General Hospital, Njinikom. A consent form was signed by all those who participated in the research. A self-administered or nurse administered questionnaire was the sole instrument for data collection and the data was analysed with the use of SPSS Inc. version 22. An ethical clearance from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu, Nigeria was obtained for the study. Authorization from the Regional Delegate of Public Health for the NWR of Cameroon was obtained. Authorizations from the administrators of St Martin de Porres Catholic General Hospital Njinikom and Fundong District Hospital were given which were the centres for the collection of data.

Results: Cultural determinants discovered were; the existence of wife inheritance (90.3%), extra marital sex for pregnancy (52.2%), and wife sharing in the community (17.27%). More than half of the subjects (52.8%) did not use condoms because of refusals by their partners (P<0.05). A shocking majority (90.97%) of the subjects reported that men have more than one sexual partners in the community. The main challenge faced by patients was poverty as responded by a majority (53.28%).

Conclusion: It can be concluded that harmful cultural practices of wife inheritance, wife sharing and extra marital sex for pregnancy exist in Fundong health district. Male dominance of women leads to non-use of condoms. HIV patients face the problem of transportation to the treatment centres due to poverty. Therefore rural women should be empowered economically and traditional leaders receive education on the risk of harmful cultural practices in the transmission of HIV.