Failure to return to receive HIV-test results: the Cameroon experience

Abstract Background To be acquainted of one’s HIV serological status is an important strategy for the fight against HIV/AIDS, but many patients still miss the appointment to receive their HIV-test result. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological and serological profiles of patients not coming back to collect their HIV-test result in a tertiary health care facility in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Methods We undertook a retrospective analysis of data of patients who visited the HIV-day care unit of the Yaoundé Central Hospital (Yaoundé, Cameroon) from January to December 2009 in order to be screened for HIV, and who did not come back to retrieve their result. Results Of the 3990 patients who visited the unit during the study period, 396 (9.92%) did not come back to collect their HIV-test result, of whom 21% were aged 26–30 years representing the most encountered age group. Females (57.8%) were significantly more present than males (p = 0.023). More than half of these patients (54.9%) visited the unit for a voluntary HIV testing. Two hundred and three patients (51.3%) had a positive HIV-test result, of whom 63.5% were females. The most HIV-infected group was the one coming for a voluntary screening (36.5%). Women not returning to receive their results were more likely to be tested HIV-positive (odds ratio = 1.62, 95% confidence interval: 1.08–2.42; p < 0.05). Conclusions Almost 10% of patients screened for HIV infection did not come back to collect their result. More strategies should be implemented to reduce this rate, especially targeting young adults (20–35 years) and women. The delay in delivering patients’ results should be shortened. Concurrently, there is need to increase voluntary HIV-testing in our settings

Bifocal contact dermatitis following a temporary tattoo

Abstract Allergic contact dermatitis from henna tattoos is often caused by PPD. This was a 35‐year‐old female patient with eczema lesions of the left forearm that occurred after henna's tattoo. The inner side of the left thigh, although not tattooed, was the site of eczema lesions, reproducing the design of the tattoo

Keloids on stretch marks: Case of a Cameroonian lady

Abstract Keloids are hypertrophic scars that develop as a result of various pathophysiologic mechanisms. We report a case of a 30‐year‐old Cameroonian woman who presented with keloid‐like masses in the abdomen. The onset was postpartum without trauma. After histopathologic confirmation, we concluded a postinflammatory keloid

Additional file 1: of Knowledge, attitudes and practices of the medical personnel regarding atopic dermatitis in YaoundĂŠ, Cameroon

According to you, is this a case of atopic dermatitis? Tick the correct answer. (DOCX 1417 kb