Prevalence of HIV, HBV and Chlamydia infections in Cameroonian University context: case of the University of Dschang, in the Western Region

Introduction: In sub-Saharan Africa HIV infection remains largely epidemic, whereas HBV infection is highly endemic (>8%). In Cameroon, HIV prevalence is 4.3%. Concerning HBV and chlamydia infections, their prevalence are both ≥10%. Young adults, including university students, are the population groups mostly affected. Epidemiological data on these infections, among university students could be helpful to implement specific prevention strategies. Methods: A descriptive study was performed in May 2013 among 624 students from the University of Dschang, Cameroon. Participants were screened for HIV, HBV and Chlamydia infections. Data was collected by a standard questionnaire and analyzed by Epi Info. Results: Average age of participants was 23.3 years (σ = 3.2) with female predominance (58.7%). Prevalence of HIV, HBV and Chlamydia infection was 1.1% (7/624), 2.8% (5/176) and 2.0% (2/100) respectively. 83.2% of participants were sexually active. Concerning sexual risk behaviors, participants reported having multi partners (14.8%), using condom occasionally (58.6%) or never (5.0%). 100%, 62.6% and 52.2% reported to be aware on HIV, HBV and Chlamydia infections respectively. In addition, only 5.5% and 21.3% of the participants were aware of their HBV and Chlamydia status respectively, versus 64.4% for HIV. The excessive cost of HBV and Chlamydia tests has been identified as the major barrier to testing (87.6%). Conclusion: Among college Cameroonian students the prevalence of HIV, HBV and Chlamydia infections seems to be relatively low if compared to general population. However, having multiple sexual partners in addition to non-systematic use of condoms during sexual intercourse represents risk behaviors among students. Awareness campaigns and screening facilitation on HBV and chlamydia infections need to be strengthened

Assessment of attitudes and practices of rural women towards malaria in Western Region, Cameroon: Strategic implications for prevention programs

M. Sanou Sobze1, J. Fokam2, J.-F. Onohiol1,∗, G.B. Djeunang Dongho1, P.M. Nkamedjie Pete1, A. Tenoh Guedoung1, G. Temgue1, V. Colizzi3, G. Russo4 1 Faculty of Sciences; University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon 2 Chantal Biya International Reference Centre (CIRCB) for research on HIV/AIDS prevention and management, Yaounde, Cameroon 3 University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy 4 Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Ital

Evaluation of the nutritional status of infants from mothers tested positive to HIV/AIDS in the health district of Dschang, Cameroon

INTRODUCTION: Poor infant feeding practices are common in Africa, resulting in physical and intellectual developmental impairments. Good feeding practices are crucial, especially in the first year of growth. HIV/AIDS has worsened the clinical and nutritional status of both mothers and their children, exacerbating high rates of malnutrition. The aim of this study was to assess by participative approach, the nutritional status of infants from mothers tested positive to HIV in the health district of Dschang. METHODS: This is a cross sectional study with a period of recruitment of 2 years (2010-2012). Data Collection was done by the aim of a personal slip followed by training to strengthen the nutritional and hygienic capacity of targeted parents. Height and weight of infants were measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated. RESULTS: Significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) was noticed in height-for-age z-score (HAZ) of girls aged between 1 to 2 years compared to 1-year old girls as well as to boys of all ages, defining them as stunted. Furthermore, the weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) results indicate that both girls and boys of all age are in moderate state of malnutrition. The results of BMI thinness classified according to gender and age groups, indicates that most infants (68/130, 52.3%) showed grade 2 thinness predominantly in 2-years old both boys and girls. However, no participants fall within the normal category for age and sex, as well as overweight and obesity categories. CONCLUSION: Undernutrition exists among infants from mothers tested positive to HIV residing in Dschang, as most of the infants are underweight, and malnourished

Water supply, sanitation and health risks in Douala 5 municipality, Cameroon

In the poor zones of sub-Saharan Africa, the conventional drinking water network is very weak. The populations use alternative groundwater sources which are wells and springs. However, because of urbanization, the groundwater sources are degrading gradually making pure, safe, healthy and odourless drinking water a matter of deep concern. There are many pollutants in groundwater due to seepage of organic and inorganic pollutants, heavy metals as well as microbiological contamination. This study was carried out in October 2012 and aimed to analyze the practices and behaviors of populations related to water supply that may constitute potential risks of microbiological contamination and emergence of waterborne diseases

Evaluation of the nutritional status of infants from mothers tested positive to HIV/AIDS in the health district of Dschang, Cameroon

ntroduction: Poor infant feeding practices are common in Africa, resulting in physical and intellectual developmental impairments. Good feeding practices are crucial, especially in the first year of growth. HIV/AIDS has worsened the clinical and nutritional status of both mothers and their children, exacerbating high rates of malnutrition. The aim of this study was to assess by participative approach, the nutritional status of infants from mothers tested positive to HIV in the health district of Dschang. Methods: This is a cross sectional study with a period of recruitment of 2 years (2010-2012). Data Collection was done by the aim of a personal slip followed by training to strengthen the nutritional and hygienic capacity of targeted parents. Height and weight of infants were measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Results: Significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) was noticed in height-for-age z-score (HAZ) of girls aged between 1 to 2 years compared to 1-year old girls as well as to boys of all ages, defining them as stunted. Furthermore, the weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) results indicate that both girls and boys of all age are in moderate state of malnutrition. The results of BMI thinness classified according to gender and age groups, indicates that most infants (68/130, 52.3%) showed grade 2 thinness predominantly in 2-years old both boys and girls. However, no participants fall within the normal category for age and sex, as well as overweight and obesity categories. Conclusion: Undernutrition exists among infants from mothers tested positive to HIV residing in Dschang, as most of the infants are underweight, and malnourished. © Sanou Sobze Martin et al.Introduction: Poor infant feeding practices are common in Africa, resulting in physical and intellectual developmental impairments. Good feeding practices are crucial, especially in the first year of growth. HIV/AIDS has worsened the clinical and nutritional status of both mothers and their children, exacerbating high rates of malnutrition. The aim of this study was to assess by participative approach, the nutritional status of infants from mothers tested positive to HIV in the health district of Dschang. Methods: This is a cross sectional study with a period of recruitment of 2 years (2010-2012). Data Collection was done by the aim of a personal slip followed by training to strengthen the nutritional and hygienic capacity of targeted parents. Height and weight of infants were measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Results: Significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) was noticed in height-for-age z-score (HAZ) of girls aged between 1 to 2 years compared to 1-year old girls as we

Condom perception and prevention of HIV/AIDS infection in Cameroon: appraisal of knowledge, attitudes and practices among level one students of the University of Dschang.

With the decreasing HIV epidemiology in Cameroon (5.5% in 2004 to 4.3% in 2011), HIV/AIDS remains a major public health concern, affecting mostly the sexually active population, among which the young University students represent an important target. Since sexual intercourses represent about 90% of HIV transmission, understanding the sexual behaviors of youth could relevantly optimize the design of HIV prevention strategies, through updated and adapted communication strategies for healthy sexual behavioral changes. A qualitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2010, among 518 newly registered students in the various faculties of the University of Dschang, Cameroon. In order to evaluate Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) toward HIV/AIDS prevention among the study participants, a structured questionnaire was administered to each participant, on the basic knowledge about HIV/AIDS and condoms. Data analysis was performed using Epi Info version 3.5.0 software. The mean age of participants was 20 years, with a slight female predominance (52%). 98.6% of students voted familiar with the theme "condom", with 88.9% giving a satisfactory definition. However, 41.1% do not know the appropriate transmission route of HIV, while 5.4% do not master the correct use of condom; with up to 75.7% being aware of the female condom existence. Although 97.8% of students consider the proper use of condoms as an effective HIV preventive tool, up to 34.5% of them fail to use condoms during sexual intercourses and 69% were not in favor of the use of female condom, mainly due to a decreasing sexual pleasure. Despite the existing sensitization campaigns, the perception of condoms is still very poor among young Cameroonian academics; with the non-systematic use of condoms being the major setback. The lack of familiarity to female condom, both among female and male, would also be a contributing drawback. These major sexual behavioral risk factors to HIV infection appear as key points to address during the campaigns to ensure owning of healthy sexual habits, a leading component to reduce HIV incidence among young Cameroonian/Africans