Prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasite infection by HIV infection status among asymptomatic adults in rural Gabon

Introduction: Intestinal parasites infections are endemic in Gabon. Nevertheless, they are rarely described in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Objective: The frequency of intestinal parasite infection was estimated and compared between HIV-positive and HIV uninfected individuals in Gabon; factors associated with intestinal parasites were also analysed. Material and Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design sociodemographic data, life style habits, antiretroviral therapy, cotrimoxazole use and CD4 cell count were recorded.. Stool samples from participants living in Koulamoutou and Oyem were analysed using microscopy. Chi-squared or fisher\u2019s exact tests and logistic regression were performed. Results: Among participants (n=332), female gender was predominant (73.7%; n=135/183) and the median age was 45 [33-57] years old. Among 183 samples, 53.6% (n = 98/183) were infected by intestinal parasites. The proportion was higher (72.1%) in HIV negative participants compared to PLHIV (42.6%) (p <0.01). PLHIV were more frequently poly-infected. Infection was frequent in patients using external toilets and tap water (>70.0%). Conclusion: Prevalence of intestinal parasites is higher in seronegative participants but polyparasitism is more frequent in PLHIV. Strategies are focused on HIV negative population, but this study shows the importance of sensitization for PLHIV to improve their quality of life

Multivariate analysis of behavioral risk factors according to gender.

AOR adjusted for age; P-valuea:Men-Women comparison in urban areas; P-valueb:Men-Women comparison in rural areas. (DOCX)</p

Relationship between anthropometric, biological, and number of CMRF with gender.

P-valuea:Men-Women comparison in urban areas; P-valueb:Men-Women comparison in rural areas; HBP: High blood pressure; LDL-C: Low density lipoprotein-cholesterol; HDL-C: High density lipoprotein-cholesterol; Total-C: Total cholesterol. (DOCX)</p

General characteristics of the study population.

BackgroundThe prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa and represents a serious public health issue. Accurate data are required to implement adapted prevention programs and healthcare strategies. Thus, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence rates of CMRFs according to the level of urbanization, age and gender in Gabon.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in northern (Bitam), western coast (Libreville, Melen) and southeast (Koulamoutou) areas of Gabon using the World Health Organization’s (WHO) stepwise approach for the surveillance of chronic disease risk factors. Participants over 18 years of age, without known underlying disease, living in rural and urban areas of Gabon were included. Sociodemographic, biological, and behavioral data were collected. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to identify the CMRFs.ResultsOf the 978 participants, 499 lived in urban and 479 in rural areas. Their median age was 38[28–50] years. Tobacco (26.1% vs 6.2%; p ConclusionThe prevalence of CMRFs was high in the study population. Disparities were observed according to urban and rural areas, gender and age. National prevention and healthcare strategies for cardiometabolic diseases in Gabon should consider these observed differences.</div

Relationship between the presence of behavioral CMRF and area of residence.

Relationship between the presence of behavioral CMRF and area of residence.</p

Study flow chart.

BackgroundThe prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa and represents a serious public health issue. Accurate data are required to implement adapted prevention programs and healthcare strategies. Thus, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence rates of CMRFs according to the level of urbanization, age and gender in Gabon.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in northern (Bitam), western coast (Libreville, Melen) and southeast (Koulamoutou) areas of Gabon using the World Health Organization’s (WHO) stepwise approach for the surveillance of chronic disease risk factors. Participants over 18 years of age, without known underlying disease, living in rural and urban areas of Gabon were included. Sociodemographic, biological, and behavioral data were collected. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to identify the CMRFs.ResultsOf the 978 participants, 499 lived in urban and 479 in rural areas. Their median age was 38[28–50] years. Tobacco (26.1% vs 6.2%; p ConclusionThe prevalence of CMRFs was high in the study population. Disparities were observed according to urban and rural areas, gender and age. National prevention and healthcare strategies for cardiometabolic diseases in Gabon should consider these observed differences.</div

Multivariate analysis of behavioral risk factors according to study area.

Multivariate analysis of behavioral risk factors according to study area.</p

Number of cardiometabolic disease risk factors according to age groups.

Number of cardiometabolic disease risk factors according to age groups.</p

Multivariate analysis of biological CMRF according to gender.

AOR adjusted for age; P-valuea:Men-Women comparison in urban areas; P-valueb:Men-Women comparison in rural areas; Ref: Reference; HBP: High blood pressure. (DOCX)</p

Multivariate analysis of biological CMRFs according to study area.

Multivariate analysis of biological CMRFs according to study area.</p