Factors associated with hepatitis B and C among adults in Buea, Cameroon: A community-based cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Viral hepatitis is a major cause of death in Africa. A paucity of community-based studies on the determinants of viral hepatitis in Africa impedes efforts to appropriately target prevention, screening, and treatment interventions. We assessed factors associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a semi-urban health district in Cameroon. METHODS: We conducted a community-based, cross-sectional study from 28 February to 15 May 2021 in the Buea Health District in Buea, Cameroon. We recruited a sample of consenting individuals aged over 15 years old. Participants were surveyed for factors associated with HBV/HCV and were screened for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HCV antibody using rapid point-of-care tests. We performed univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with HBsAg and HCV seropositivity. RESULTS: We screened 1144 participants (66% female) with a median age of 30 years (IQR: 23-44). HBsAg prevalence was 5.7% (95%CI: 4.5-7.2%) and HCV seropositivity was 1.9% (95%CI: 1.3-2.9%). Three people (0.3%) were seropositive for both HBsAg and HCV antibody. Male sex (adjusted OR [aOR] = 2.31; 95%CI: 1.28-4.18) and a history of traditional operation or scarification (aOR = 2.87; 95%CI: 1.67-4.92) were associated with HBsAg. None of the assessed factors was significantly associated with HCV antibody. CONCLUSION: Men and participants with a history of traditional operation and scarification had higher odds of HBsAg. We did not observe any associations with HCV seropositivity. Prevention and screening efforts among adults in this setting should prioritize men and those with a history of traditional operation and scarification.

Frequency, types, and factors associated with complementary and alternative medicine use among patients on maintenance haemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite progress in haemodialysis and conventional medicine approaches, many patients still struggle to maintain an acceptable quality of life and turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to address their unmet needs. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the prevalence, types, indications, and factors associated with CAM use by patients on maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) in Cameroon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a multicentric cross-sectional study involving MHD patients in Cameroon from February 2019 to May 2019. We included all consenting participants on MHD for at least 3 months and excluded participants with cognitive and behavioral problems. Face-to-face interviews were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 224 participants (145 males) with a mean age of 56.5 ± 14.2 years and a median haemodialysis vintage of 34.5 [IQR: 17.3-64.4] months were recruited. In all, 89.7% (n = 201) reported having used CAM before, while 71.6% (n = 144) were still using it. Biologically based therapies were the most popular (94%, n = 189), with herbal medicine (81.5%, n = 154) and Calabar chalk (52.4%, n = 99) being the most common. Physical well-being (57.2%), nausea (52%), and insomnia (42.7%) were the main indications for CAM use. Most respondents did not disclose their CAM use to their physicians (61.2%). Long haemodialysis vintage was associated with CAM use (AOR: 7.9; CI = 2.8-22.3; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of CAM is common among Cameroon's haemodialysis population, with herbal medicines and Calabar chalk being the most frequent. The high symptom burden makes CAM attractive to them. Healthcare teams should be aware of these practices, initiate an open discussion, and appropriately advise patients about dangers, risks, and safety associated with their use. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The institutional review board of the University of Bamenda. Reference: 2019/0038H/UBa/IRB UPM/TNCPI/RMC/1.4.18.2.