Creencias de contagio casual, estigma y discriminación relacionados al VIH, en adolescentes que asisten a colegios oficiales en áreas urbanas de Panamá [HIVrelated beliefs of casual contagion, stigma, and discrimination among adolescents who attend public schools in urban areas of Panama]

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (03) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anet Murillo ◽  
Amanda Gabster ◽  
Elisa Mendoza ◽  
Gonzalo Cabezas Talavero ◽  
Juan Miguel Pascale
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Stigma And Discrimination ◽  
Significant Difference

<p><strong>Objetivo: </strong>Describir la prevalencia y factores sociodemográficos relacionados con las creencias de contagio casual de VIH. Entender los factores que están asociados a estigmas y discriminación hacia compañeros que viven con el VIH en la población adolescente (14-19 años) en centros educativos de nivel media de áreas urbanas de Panamá. <strong>Método: </strong>Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal con muestreo de conglomerados de dos-etapas, con selección aleatoria en 4 regiones urbanas de Panamá (Panamá, San Miguelito, Colón y Panamá Oeste). Se incluyó estudiantes 14-19 años de centros educativos públicos de educación media entre los meses de junio y agosto de 2015-2018 (una región por año). Se utilizó de regresión logística multivariable con efectos aleatorios. <strong>Resultados: </strong>Del total de 2466 participantes, el 56.9% era de sexo femenino y el 43.1% de sexo masculino. No se encontró una diferencia significativa entre el sexo de los participantes y la creencia en contagio casual.  Después de ajustar el modelo por edad de los participantes, se encontró evidencia de asociación entre participantes de sexo masculino y el estigma (adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]=1.44, 95% Intervalo de Confianza [IC]:1.14-1.82) y la discriminación (AOR= 2.02 95%CI:1.40-3.07).  Al ajustar por sexo y edad de los participantes, se encontró evidencia de asociación entre creencias de contagio casual y estigma reportado (AOR=2.0, IC95%: 1.4-2.9), como también entre estigma y discriminación reportado (AOR=2.2 CI 95%:1.5-3.2). <strong>Conclusiones: </strong>Los estudiantes entre los 14-19 años que asisten a centros educativos públicos de nivel Media, presentaron una alta prevalencia de creencia de contagio casual del VIH, estigma y discriminación. <strong></strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>Abstract</strong>:</p><p><strong>Objective</strong>: To describe the prevalence and sociodemographic factors related to beliefs of casual HIV infection. Understand the factors that are associated with stigma and discrimination towards peers living with HIV in the adolescent population (14-19 years) in high school educational centers in urban areas of Panama. <strong>Method</strong>: A cross-sectional study was carried out with two-stage cluster sampling, using random selection in 4 urban regions of Panama (Panama, San Miguelito, Colón and Panamá Oeste). The study was carried out among 14-19-year-old participants of public schools of secondary education between the months of June and August 2015-2018 (one region per year). Random-effects multivariable logistic regression analysis was used. <strong>Results</strong>: Of the total of 2,466 participants, 56.9% were female and 43.1% male. No significant difference was found between the sex of the participants and the belief of casual contagion. However, after adjusting the model for the age of the participants, we found evidence of an association between stigma (adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.44,95% Confidence Interval[CI]:1.14-1.82) and discrimination (AOR = 2.02 95% CI:1.40-3.07) in the male participants. After adjusting for the sex and age of the participants, evidence of association was found among those with beliefs of casual contagion and reported stigma (AOR = 2.0, 95%CI:1.4-2.9), as well as strong evidence of association between stigma and reported discrimination (AOR = 2.2 95% CI:1.5-3.2). <strong>Conclusions</strong>: Students between the ages of 14-19 years who attend public schools of medium level, presented a high prevalence of belief of casual HIV infection, stigma and discrimination. </p>

scholarly journals Tobacco Use Among the Youth in India: Evidence From Global Adult Tobacco Survey-2 (2016-2017)

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 1179173X2092739
Author(s):  
Shekhar Grover ◽  
Tanu Anand ◽  
Jugal Kishore ◽  
Jaya Prasad Tripathy ◽  
Dhirendra N Sinha
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tobacco Usage

Background: Worldwide, tobacco use is a serious public health concern affecting the youth. A vast majority of tobacco users start using tobacco well before the age of 18 years which has enormous psychosocial and health effects. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of individual forms of tobacco usage among youth aged 15 to 24 years and to assess the association of sociodemographic factors with tobacco use. Methods: The source of data was a cross-sectional GATS-2 survey in India (analysed using SPSSv17.0) which used a multistage, geographically stratified cluster sampling method. Bivariate analysis was done for evaluation of the possible association of tobacco use with sociodemographic factors. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the relative strength of association between those factors and tobacco use. Results: There were 13 329 respondents (44.9% males and 55.1% females) aged 15 to 24 years. Overall, 11.9% of respondents were using tobacco. The prevalence of smoke and smokeless tobacco usage was 5% and 10.9%, respectively, whereas 2% of respondents reported dual usage. The odds of using any form of tobacco were significantly higher among respondents aged 20 to 24 years (odds ratio [OR]: 2 [1.76-2.77]) who were primarily residing in rural areas (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.36 [1.2-1.54]) and were unmarried (aOR: 1.56 [1.37-1.88]). The odds of using any form of tobacco were significantly lower among females (aOR: 0.21 [0.19-0.24]), literate individuals (aOR: 0.33 [0.29-0.37]), and those who were unemployed/students/homemakers (aOR: 0.44 [0.39-0.50]). Conclusions: The overall tobacco usage of 11.9% among young people in the age group of 15 to 24 years is a matter of concern. The study identified several sociodemographic factors significantly associated with tobacco use, implying the need for designing interventions considering social vulnerabilities of youth.

HIV INFECTION AND SOME RELATED FACTORS IN FEMALE MASSAGE THERAPISTS IN QUANG NGAI PROVINCE

2015 ◽  
pp. 57-60
Author(s):  
Xuan Chuong Tran ◽  
Thi Thanh Hoa Le ◽  
Ngoc Van Nguyen ◽  
Thanh Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Sexual Contact ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Keywords Hiv ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Massage Therapists

Background: HIV/AIDS is still a dangerous infection in Vietnam and in the world. Studying of HIV infection and related factors in high risk groups, including female massage therapists is therefore very important. Aims: 1. To study the HIV infection in female massage therapists in Quang Ngai province. 2. To fine some related factors to HIV infection. Patients and methods: Female massage therapists working in Quang Ngai province. Cross-sectional, descriptive study. Results: The rate of HIV infection was 0.99%. Group older than 22 years old had higher rate of infection than group under 22 years old (1.80% vs 0.69%). The girls from urban areas or not using condom had higher rate of infection than group from rural or not using condom (1.57% vs 0.47% and 7.32% vs. 0.57%). Most of HIV infected belong to single or divorce groups. Conclusions: The rate of HIV infection in female massage therapists in Quang Ngai province was 0.99%. The HIV infection related factor was not using condom in sexual contact. Keywords: HIV, female massage therapists, Quang Ngai

Renal Phosphate Handling in Antiretroviral-naïve HIV-infected Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tewogbade Adeoye Adedeji ◽  
Simeon Adelani. Adebisi ◽  
Nife Olamide Adedeji ◽  
Olusola Akanni Jeje ◽  
Rotimi Samuel Owolabi
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Plasma Phosphate ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Phosphate Retention ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Moderate Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
One Year ◽  
Sectional Analysis

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection impairs renal function, thereby affecting renal phosphate metabolism. Objectives: We prospectively estimated the prevalence of phosphate abnormalities (mild, moderate to life-threatening hypophosphataemia, and hyperphosphataemia) before initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed on 170 consecutive newly diagnosed ART-naïve, HIV-infected patients attending our HIV/AIDS clinics over a period of one year. Fifty (50) screened HIV-negative blood donors were used for comparison (controls). Blood and urine were collected simultaneously for phosphate and creatinine assay to estimate fractional phosphate excretion (FEPi %) and glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Results: eGFR showed significant difference between patients’ and controls’ medians (47.89ml/min/1.73m2 versus 60ml/min/1.73m2, p <0.001); which denotes a moderate chronic kidney disease in the patients. Of the 170 patients, 78 (45.9%) had normal plasma phosphate (0.6-1.4 mmol/L); 85 (50%) had hyperphosphataemia. Grades 1, 2 and 3 hypophosphataemia was observed in 3 (1.8%), 3 (1.8%), and 1(0.5%) patient(s) respectively. None had grade 4 hypophosphataemia. Overall, the patients had significantly higher median of plasma phosphate than the controls, 1.4 mmol/L (IQR: 1.0 – 2.2) versus 1.1 mmol/L (IQR: 0.3 – 1.6), p <0.001, implying hyperphosphataemia in the patients; significantly lower median urine phosphate than the controls, 1.5 mmol/L (IQR: 0.7 -2.1) versus 8.4 mmol/L (IQR: 3.4 – 16), p <0.001), justifying the hyperphosphataemia is from phosphate retention; but a non-significantly lower median FEPi% than the controls, 0.96 % (IQR: 0.3 -2.2) versus 1.4% (IQR: 1.2 -1.6), p > 0.05. Predictors of FEPi% were age (Odds ratio, OR 0.9, p = 0.009); weight (OR 2.0, p < 0.001); CD4+ cells count predicted urine phosphate among males (p = 0.029). Conclusion: HIV infection likely induces renal insufficiency with reduced renal phosphate clearance. Thus, hyperphosphataemia is highly prevalent, and there is mild to moderate hypophosphataemia but its life-threatening form (grade 4) is rare among ART-naïve HIV patients.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of hypertension in selected towns of Wollega zones, Western Ethiopia, 2019: A community-based cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 205031212110245
Author(s):  
Getu Mosisa ◽  
Bikila Regassa ◽  
Bayise Biru
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional

Introduction: Hypertension remains an emerging public health problem globally, particularly in developing countries. Age, income level, obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking, vegetables and fruit consumption, physical activity and chat chewing were some risk factors of hypertension. However, there are limited data on the epidemiology of hypertension in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess Epidemiology of Hypertension among the community of selected towns of Wollega zones. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 30 June 2019 in selected towns of Wollega zones. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 840 study participants. Data were collected using the WHO STEP wise approach. The data were coded and entered into EpiData 3, and exported to SPSS version 20.0 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05. Results: The study included a total of 838 respondents with a response rate of 99.7%. The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 189 (22.6%) (95% confidence interval = 19.9%–25.2%). Of this, 108 (12.9%) and 81 (9.7%) of female and male were hypertensive, respectively. Age groups of 30–44 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.65 (1.43, 4.89)), 45–59 years (adjusted odds ratio = 3.55 (1.79, 7.04)), above 60 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.97 (1.43, 6.18)), having history of alcohol consumption (adjusted odds ratio = 4.29 (2.4, 7.66)), involving in vigorous physical activity (adjusted odds ratio = 0.096 (0.028, 0.33)), not walking to and from the work (adjusted odds ratio = 13.12 (8.34, 20.67)), being overweight (adjusted odds ratio = 1.98 (1.21, 3.25)), inadequate fruits serving per day (adjusted odds ratio = 2.93 (1.75, 4.88)) were significantly associated with hypertension. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension was found to be high in the study area. Older age, alcohol consumption, not engaging in vigorous activity, physical inactivity, being overweight and inadequate intake of fruits were found to be risk factors for hypertension. Therefore, health care providers should provide extensive health education and promotion on recommended lifestyle modification to tackle the burden of hypertension.

scholarly journals Nonadherence to tuberculosis treatment and associated factors among patients using directly observed treatment short-course in north-west Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 205031212198949
Author(s):  
Cylia Nkechi Iweama ◽  
Olaoluwa Samson Agbaje ◽  
Prince Christian Ifeanachor Umoke ◽  
Chima Charles Igbokwe ◽  
Eyuche Lawretta Ozoemena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Medication Nonadherence ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tuberculosis Patients ◽  
North West ◽  
Short Course ◽  
Directly Observed Treatment

Introduction: Tuberculosis is a public health problem in Nigeria. One of the most effective ways of controlling tuberculosis is the directly observed treatment short-course. However, some factors influence tuberculosis patients’ treatment nonadherence via directly observed treatment short-course. The study objective was to assess medication nonadherence and associated factors among tuberculosis patients in north-west Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled tuberculosis patients using directly observed treatment short-course in public health facilities in Kano and Kaduna States from January 2015 to June 2016. The sample selection was conducted via a multistage sampling procedure. Data were collected using tuberculosis patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics forms, well-validated structured instruments, and medical records. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. Logistic and multivariable logistic regression analyses to determine factors of medication nonadherence ( P < 0.05) Results: Complete responses from 390 patients out of the 460 patients recruited for the study were used for data analyses. The mean age was 51.5 (standard deviation = ±13.8) years. The mean tuberculosis medication adherence questionnaire score was 4.35 ± 1.12. The prevalence of nonadherence to tuberculosis medication was 30.5%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that having a monthly income between #100,000 and #199, 000 (adjusted odds ratio = 0.01; 95% confidence interval: 0.00–0.13), being widowed (adjusted odds ratio = 26.74, 95% confidence interval: 2.92–232.9), being married (adjusted odds ratio = 120.49, 95% confidence interval: 5.38–271.1), having a distance <5 km to directly observed treatment short-course center from home (adjusted odds ratio = 0.06, 95% confidence interval: 0.00–0.01), having a tuberculosis/HIV co-infection (adjusted odds ratio = 0.01, 95% confidence interval: 0.12–0.35), use of antiretroviral treatment and cotrimoxazole prophylaxis therapy medications (adjusted odds ratio = 24.9, 95% confidence interval: 19.6–304.3) were associated with tuberculosis medication nonadherence. Conclusion: Tuberculosis medication nonadherence was high among the patients. Thus, patient-specific adherence education, attenuation of potential factors for tuberculosis medication nonadherence, and continual resource support for tuberculosis patients are needed to improve treatment outcomes.

scholarly journals Factors associated with parental traditional medicine use for children in Fagita Lekoma Woreda Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 205031212097800
Author(s):  
Damtew Asrat ◽  
Atsede Alle ◽  
Bekalu Kebede ◽  
Bekalu Dessie
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Traditional Medicine ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Medicine Use ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Traditional Medicines ◽  
Factors Associated

Background: Over the last 100 years, the development and mass production of chemically synthesized drugs have revolutionized health care in most parts of the world. However, large sections of the population in developing countries still depend on traditional medicines for their primary health care needs. More than 88% of Ethiopian parents use different forms of traditional medicine for their children. Therefore, this study aimed to determine factors associated with parental traditional medicine use for children in Fagita Lekoma Woreda. Method: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 30 March 2019 in Fagita Lekoma Woreda. Data collection tool was a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to present the data. Odds ratio and binary and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to measure the relationship between dependent and independent variables. Results: Among 858 participants, 71% of parents had used traditional medicine for their children within the last 12 months. Parents who cannot read and write (adjusted odds ratio = 6.42, 95% confidence interval = 2.1–19.7), parents with low monthly income (adjusted odds ratio = 4.38, 95% confidence interval = 1.58–12.1), and those who had accesses to traditional medicine (adjusted odds ratio = 2.21, 95% confidence interval = 1.23–3.98) were more likely to use traditional medicine for their children. Urban residents (adjusted odds ratio = 0.20, 95% confidence interval = 0.11–0.38) and members of community-based health insurance (adjusted odds ratio = 0.421, 95% confidence interval = 0.211–0.84) were less likely to use traditional medicine for their children. Conclusions: Our study revealed that the prevalence of traditional medicine remains high. Educational status, monthly income, residence, accessibility to traditional medicine, and being a member of community-based health insurance were predictors of potential traditional medicine use. Therefore, the integration of traditional medicine with modern medicine should be strengthened. Community education and further study on efficacy and safety of traditional medicines should be also given great attention.

scholarly journals Prevalence of thinness, overweight and obesity among Tibetan adolescents aged 12-17 years

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Yunfei Zhang ◽  
Jiahong Sun ◽  
Min Zhao ◽  
Costan G. Magnussen ◽  
Xi Bo
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Method ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Clear Trend ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Objective: To estimate the prevalence of thinness, overweight and obesity among Tibetan adolescents aged 12-17 years. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Shigatse city of Tibet municipality, with an average altitude of more than 4000 m. Subjects: Study participants included 2,642 adolescents aged 12-17 years selected from 6 schools using a convenient cluster sampling method. Results: The prevalence of thinness/overweight/obesity among Tibetan adolescents was 9.4%/5.4%/1.4% (China definition), 14.7%/4.4%/0.7% (IOTF definition), and 2.8%/5.7%/0.9% (WHO definition). The prevalence of thinness and overweight was significantly different between both sexes based on each of three BMI classification criteria (P <0.001). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of obesity between both sexes according to each of three BMI criteria. There was no clear trend in the prevalence of thinness across ages according to the China or IOTF definition (both P >0.05), whereas an upward trend was observed for thinness in boys according to the IOTF definition (P for trend <0.05). In contrast, the prevalence of thinness tended to decrease with increasing age in girls according to the IOTF definition, and in total sample according to the WHO definition (P for trend <0.05). Conclusions: Among Tibetan adolescents, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is relatively low, while the prevalence of thinness is high, especially in boys. These data suggest urgent attention is needed to control adolescent thinness in Tibet.

scholarly journals Coinfection of Sexually Transmitted Infections among HIV-Positive Individuals: Cross-Sectional Results of a Community-Based Positive Living with HIV (POLH) Study in Nepal

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 338-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krishna C. Poudel ◽  
Kalpana Poudel-Tandukar ◽  
Paula H. Palmer ◽  
Tetsuya Mizoue ◽  
Masamine Jimba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Sexual Practices ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Neisseria Gonorrhea ◽  
Living With Hiv

In Asian concentrated HIV epidemics, data on coinfection of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among HIV-positive individuals are limited. The authors measured the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhea (NG), and syphilis, and their correlates among 319 HIV-positive individuals in Kathmandu, Nepal. The authors tested blood samples for syphilis and urine samples for CT and NG. Overall, 17 (5.3%) participants had at least 1 STI (CT: 1.3%, NG: 2.8%, and syphilis: 1.2%). Of 226 participants who had sex in past 6 months, 51.3% did not always use condoms. Older (aged 35-60 years) participants were more likely (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.83; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19-12.33; P = .024) and those who were currently married (AOR = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.09-0.97; P = .046) or on antiretroviral therapy (AOR = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.06-0.71; P = .012) were less likely to have at least 1 STI. Our results suggest the need to strengthen the efforts to screen and treat STIs and to promote safer sexual practices among Nepalese HIV-positive individuals.

scholarly journals Anolunula in Fingernails among Patients Infected with HIV

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Pratik Gahalaut ◽  
Nitin Mishra ◽  
Sandhya Chauhan ◽  
Mir Mubashir Ali ◽  
Madhur Kant Rastogi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Stage 1 ◽  
And Control ◽  
Hiv Negative

Lunula is the white, half-moon shaped area seen in proximal ends of some nails. Though a few studies have described the nail changes that can occur in association with HIV infection, none of these paid much attention to lunula. Aims and Objectives. To study the lunula in fingernails among HIV infected patients. Materials and Methods. An observational, cross-sectional study to record presence of lunula in 168 HIV-positive patients and compare it with age and sex matched 168 healthy HIV-negative control. Anolunula (absence of lunula) in HIV-positive patients was correlated with CD4 counts, stages of HIV infection, time since patient was diagnosed as HIV-positive, and status of antiretroviral therapy. Results. Anolunula was present in significantly more fingernails in HIV-positive patients compared to HIV-negative controls. There was a highly significant difference for total anolunula (anolunula in all fingernails) in study and control group. Incidence of total anolunula was directly proportional to the stage of HIV infection, increasing progressively as the HIV infection advances from stage 1 to stage 4. Conclusion. Absence of lunula is related to not only HIV infection per se but also the stages of HIV infection.

scholarly journals Pathogenicity and non-opportunistic character of Blastocystis spp.: a hospital-based survey in Central Cameroon

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (05) ◽  
pp. 373-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphanie Jupsa-Mbiandou ◽  
Samuel Fosso ◽  
Edimo Billé ◽  
Tito T Mélachio-Tanekou ◽  
Gideon Ajeagah-Aghaindum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Blastocystis Spp ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Hiv Negative

Introduction: Blastocystis spp. is a protist found in humans. Although usually the most frequent protozoa found in stool samples of both symptomatic and healthy subjects, its pathogenic or rather opportunistic role is yet to be clearly elucidated. To attempt to fill this gap, a cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the frequency of Blastocystis spp. in HIV positive (HIV+) versus HIV negative (HIV-) individuals in four health facilities of the Center Region of Cameroon. Methodology: Stool samples were collected from 283 HIV positive and 245 HIV negative subjects and analyzed using direct diagnostic tests. Results: A total of 46 (8.7%) individuals were found infected with Blastocystis spp., including 6.7% HIV positive and 11.0% HIV negative. This species was more frequent in urban and semi-urban areas than in rural areas, but evenly distributed among genders and age groups as well as among all sectors of activity. The prevalence of Blastocystis spp. (11.3%) was higher in HIV+ patients with a CD4 count ≥ 500 cells / mm3, but no significant difference was found among HIV clinical stages. Likewise prevalence, the mean number of cysts per gram of stool was similar between HIV positive and HIV negative individuals. People infected with Blastocystis spp. showed diverse clinical signs, but only flatulence was significantly more prevalent. The frequencies of these clinical signs were not related to HIV status. Conclusion: No clear relationship links the infection with Blastocystis spp. to HIV, although its presence was associated with digestive disorder, suggesting that this parasite might not be opportunist.

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