HIV/AIDS infection prevalence in an agriculture-dominated rural community of west region of Cameroon

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, based on associated demographic factors in order to raise awareness on the occurrence/level of infection in this community.Methods‘Determine’ and Uni-Gold™ rapid diagnostic kits were used for diagnosis of 221 individuals coming for testing. Questionnaires were administered and group discussions as well as community visits were held.ResultsOverall prevalence was 5.21%, and prevalence based on demographic factors resulted in the following: based on sex, males were more infected than females, with a significant difference (χ2 = 4.251, df = 1, P = 0.039), prevalence did not differ significantly (χ2 = 3.096, df = 3, P = 0.377) with age cohorts but individuals ≥ 36 years old recorded the highest prevalence. There was no significant difference (χ2 = 9.531, df = 6, P = 0.146) in prevalence with profession. Analysis based on marital status revealed that unmarried were more infected as compared to married with a statistical significant difference (χ2 = 7.421, df = 1, P = 0.007). Based on the motif of test, those who made the test because of sickness were significantly (χ2 = 5.44, df = 1, P = 0.020) infected than those who did for pregnancy purpose. The year interval (2014–2016) recorded the highest prevalence as compared to other year intervals with a statistical significant difference (χ2 = 27.373, df = 8, P = 0.002). Usage of condom in sexual practice for prevention in such individuals showed low prevalence as compared to individuals who did not consider such a prevention option.ConclusionsHIV/AIDS prevails in the Fondonera community of west region and serious sensitization on its occurrence/level is of vital importance in order to prevent future infections.