Increased HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in two health facilities in Northern Cameroon between 2021 and 2022

Abstract

Background: Human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) remain a global public health problem. Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are aggravating factors. Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and identify new cases of HIV and STIs, as well as their associated risk factors. Setting: Political insecurity in the northern regions of Cameroon has led to population displacement, weakening an already fragile health system. Methods: A cohort of 684 consenting participants from the north and far north were enrolled in 2021 and followed up in 2022. Socio-demographic variables and risk behaviours were collected. Anti-HIV Ab, hepatitis B surface antigen, Treponema pallidum haemagglutination tests were performed. The data were analysed using Epi Info 7.5.2. The associations between variables were evaluated using the Chi-square test with a 95% confidence interval. Results: The new cases of HIV rate and overall prevalence were 1.63% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.83% – 2.41%) and 3.8% (95% CI: 2.01% – 3.97%), respectively. New HIV cases increased from 0.27% (2017, Demographic and Health Survey [DHS]) to 1.63%. The prevalence of syphilis and hepatitis B was 1.03% (95% CI: 0.98% – 1.09%) and 4.56% (95% CI: 4.51% – 4.66%), respectively. Factors associated with HIV included religion (p = 0.027), unprotected sex (p = 0.006), sex with a sex worker (p = 0.00009), and co-infection with syphilis and hepatitis B (p = 0.033). New HIV infections may also be associated with population displacement. Conclusion: HIV infection, syphilis and hepatitis B are on the rise in the Northern Cameroon. Contribution: Future HIV prevention strategies should consider population displacement and HIV-associated infections such as hepatitis B and syphilis in order to secure achievements in HIV programme and further curb the burden of these infections in the country.