Epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus-1 and hepatitis B virus co-infection and risk factors for acquiring these infections in the Fako division of Southwest Cameroon Infectious Disease epidemiology

Abstract

Background: Past studies have demonstrated that a large population of Cameroonians are afflicted with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and/or hepatitis B virus (HBV) demonstrating a need for better prevention programs. We aim to describe the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HIV/HBV co-infection; examine the association between HIV and HBV; and determine risk correlates associated with HIV and HBV transmission in Southwest Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional, community-based surveillance study was conducted among adults in five hospitals, one in each of the five health districts of the Fako division of the Southwest region of Cameroon. Participants underwent pre- and post-test counselling, a 30-question survey and blood draw for HIV and HBV serologic testing. To construct a final model, chi-squared tests and logistic regression were used to investigate associations. Results: Among 761 participants, 40.32 % were male, mean age was 35.21∈±∈12.42 years, and the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HIV/HBV co-infection was 10.69 %, 9.86 %, and 1.16 %, respectively. There was no association between HIV and HBV infection. However, there was a statistically significant crude associated (p-value∈