The prevalence of HIV and AIDS and average demographic data in forestry contracting businesses in South Africa

Abstract

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and subsequent acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) play an important role in the rural-based forestry industry in South Africa. HIV infection and AIDS are non-notifiable conditions with a serious effect on forestry contracting businesses due to the effect on human resource productivity. The condition affects households as it burdens the household income, affects breadwinners and the family. With information available concerning the prevalence rate it is possible to anticipate the effects of HIV and AIDS in planning mitigation interventions to sustain quality of life and maintain the required levels of productivity. Deductions from age and individual income were that the younger people and those with a remuneration exceeding the average were at higher levels of infection. The number of children of infected people was lower than for uninfected people, but the household size of infected respondents were higher than the corresponding numbers of uninfected people.