Epidemiologic Patterns of HIV, Hepatitis B and C Virus Infections Among Refugees of the Mbile Camp in the East Region of Cameroon
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of HIV, HBV and HCV among refugees of the Mbile camp in the East Region of Cameroon. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2019 in the Mbile refugee camp. All recruited subjects were interviewed and provided blood samples for the screening of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg), anti-HIV and anti-HCV antibodies. Results: A total of 970 were included in this study, 57% being females and the median age was 27.0 years old (standard deviation: 19.2). Among this study population, 75 (7.7%) reacted to HBs antigen, 24 (2.5%) to HCV antibodies, and 17 (1.8%) to HIV antibodies. The identified risk factors for HBV infection were age group 20-39 years (p=0.005), being self-employed (p=0.003), Past medical history of surgery (p=0.014), multiple sex partners (p<0.001). For HCV infection, a history of previous surgery (p=0.022) and sexually transmissible infection (p=0.021) were identified as risk factors. For HIV infection, age>40 years (p=0.010), injectable drug use (p=0.042) and history of multiple sex partners (p=0.010) were identified as risk factors.Conclusion: This study revealed an intermediate prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV infections among refugees residing in the Mbile refugee camp. However, many risk factors for HIV, HBV and HCV infections have been identified in this specific population and could favor the spreading of these viruses. There is an urgent need to improve health policies in order to better control the current situation.
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References
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