Prevalence of HIV and HBV and associated risk factors in communal areas: programmatic implications in the peripheral areas of Yaounde

Abstract

Background:The prevalence of HIV and HBV infections differs from place to place with few evidence on their risk factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalenceand risk factors of HIV, HBV in Ottou village, a communal area on the outskirts of Yaounde. Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out from May to September 2018 at “Sainte Monique”, a pediatric and gynecologic health centre. Associations between AIDS and HBV knowledge, demographics, behavior factors and blood transfusionand HIV and HBV infection were analyzed using a Chi-square and Odd ratio.Testswas performed using Epi info 7 withp<0.05, as significance.Results: Among 153 enrolled participants, the median age was 29 years old with interquartile range from 22 to 36 years. The prevalence of HIV, HBVand the co- infection HIV/HBV was respectively 11.11% (17/153), 14.37% (22/153) and1.3% (2/153). We found that females were more infected by HIV than men (13.3% vs. 6.3%). Contrariwise, men were more infected by HBV (16.7% vs. 11.4%) however, the differences were not statistically significant, respectively (p= 0.31; p=0.37). Univariate analysis identified that multiple sexual partners (OR 3.35, 95% CI: 1.17-9.61, p=0.019) and the lack of awareness on HBV (OR 5.96, 95% CI: 1.97-18.07, p=0.0001)were associated risk factors to contracting HBV whereas having multiple sexual partners was the only identifiable risk factor for HIV (OR 7.5,95% CI: 1.65-34.06, P=0.0064). Conclusions:Targeted, tailored, and comprehensive interventions are urgently needed to prevent the HIV and HBV infections in this locality.