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

Poor acceptability of female condom by young Cameroonians: an unmet programmatic agenda for HIV prevention programs

Background: an important component in response to AIDS epidemic is the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections through the use of condoms. In order to enhanceHIV prevention programs and minimize the occurrence of unwanted pregnancies, female condoms have been introduced within the community,with an ultimate goal to reduce women vulnerability. The success of such program depends on acceptance within the target population. Methods: a study was conducted, among 426 respondents from different regions ofCameroon, to evaluate the perception on HIV/AIDS and acceptance level of condom usage in general, and female condom usage inparticular. Results: respondentswere young adults (mean age: 22.6 years; 57.04% male, 95.3% single, and 76.6% at a university educational level)residing in seven regions of Cameroon (86.4% west, 6.5% Littoral, 3% Centre and 4.1% Adamawa, East, Far-North and North-West). From a general point of view, 76% declared using condoms, though 48% complaint of a decreased in sexual satisfaction. Interestingly, awareness on female condom was up to 74.5% and 88.5% in men and female respectively, and only 8% and 9.9% declared to have used it respectively, the main complaint being a reduced sexual comfort. Respondents generally learnt about sexual education throughbroadcasting media (~90%). Conclusion: in this sexually active Cameroonian population, the rate of acceptance or use of female condom remains very low, even among women. This prompts the need to scale-up sensitization strategies for young women, includingdemonstration sessions on the adequate use and benefits of female condoms

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