Abstract

Sexual behaviour and HIV prevalence among the deaf population in Cameroon

Presented by Adonis Touko, Cameroon.

A. Touko¹, A. Perrot², P. Tohmuntain³, IUSSP

¹Cameroon Psychology Forum, Research, Yaounde, Cameroon, ²Care International in Cameroon, CARE/Global Fund Project, Yaoundé, Cameroon, ³Cameroon Psychology Forum, Deaf Against AIDS Project, Yaoundé & Kumba, Cameroon

Rationale: Most often, deaf are wrongly considered sexually inactive. Besides, studies have shown that this population is marginalised and little exposed to HIV/AIDS mass communication. Thus, very little is known about their sexuality.
Objectives: To understand sexual behaviour, evaluate risk factors and determine HIV prevalence among the deaf in Yaounde.
Methods: Cross sectional quantitative study, using a standardised pre-coded questionnaire. Interviews were conducted by deaf investigators, trained on social data collection techniques. Volunteer interviewees were invited for free HIV screening tests in a VCT centre.
Results: 126 deaf (52.4% males and 47.6% females) were interviewed. Average age stood at 24, with 97% of them bachelors. 80,2% have already had sexual intercourse. For the last 12 months prior to this study, multi-sexual partner relationship occurred in 45% of cases, more with boys than girls (p<0.05). 86% of the respondents have already used a condom, mainly to prevent HIV (78%); but the last sexual act was not protected in 47% of the cases. 44% of girls and 56% of boys have experimented commercial sex at least once. 61% reported at least one case of STI during the last 12 months. For preferred methods of HIV prevention, use of condom (52%) comes first, then, sexual abstinence (20%). As concerns HIV test, 101 volunteers were screened, (56% males and 44% females). Results show that while socio-demographic characteristics remained constant as compared to the general population, 4 HIV positive cases were diagnosed (3 girls and 1 boy); that is, 4% prevalence rate, closer to the national sero-prevalence average (5.5%).
Conclusion: Sexual risk indicators are high, and HIV virus is now present in the deaf population of Yaounde, contrary to a first study carried out in this same town two years ago. Intensification of HIV/AIDS prevention campaigns towards this social minority should now become a priority.