A community-based peer-facilitated psychological and social support model to improve retention in care among Cameroonian adolescents perinatally infected with human immunodeficiency virus: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Psychological and social support for adolescents living with HIV remains undocumented and unaddressed in Central Africa. This study aimed at assessing effectiveness of a peer-facilitated community-based support model in improving retention in care among adolescents living with HIV and attending care in Chantal Biya Foundation, Yaounde, Cameroon.

Materials And Methods: We conducted an analysis of adolescents aged 10-19 years old, perinatally infected with HIV, on follow-up in the Day Care Unit of a reference hospital in Yaounde, Cameroon, and enrolled in the IAS-CIPHER-2021/1214-ATE-SMAVI, a individually randomized controlled trial.

Uptake, Acceptability, and Results of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Testing in Community Settings in Cameroon.

Mass gathering event restrictions were part of mitigation measures during the COVID-19 pandemic that were lifted as prevalence decreased and after vaccination rollout. We explored SARS-CoV-2 antigen rapid diagnostic test acceptability and positivity in community settings in Cameroon. In August-October 2022, community workers sensitized and referred individuals for COVID-19 testing to nearby testing points in Douala and Yaoundé.

Improving COVID-19 contact tracing and testing of exposed individuals in Cameroon using digital health technology: a cluster randomised trial.

Background: Contact tracing was described as a key strategy to contribute to controlling the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome of Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) but implementing it can be a challenge. Digitalisation of contact tracing is among the proposed solutions being explored in sub-Saharan African settings. We assessed the effectiveness of a digital tool to expand SARS-CoV-2 testing in exposed individuals in Cameroon.

Association between mental disorders with detectable viral load and poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy among adolescents infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus on follow-up at Chantal Biya Foundation, Cameroon.

Introduction: Perinatally HIV-Infected Adolescents (HIVIA) are more likely to have mental health problems than their uninfected peers. In resource-limited settings, mental health disorders are rarely taken into account in the care offered to HIVIA and have an impact on their routine follow-up. The objective of this study was to assess the baseline socio-demographic factors and mental health conditions associated with detectable viral load or poor ART adherence in HIVIA on ART followed at the Mother and Child Centre of the Chantal Biya Foundation in Yaoundé (CME-FCB), Cameroon.

Integration of HIV Testing in a Community Intervention for Tuberculosis Screening Among Household Contacts of Patients with Tuberculosis in Cameroon and Uganda.

Introduction: People living with HIV are considered at higher risk of developing severe forms of tuberculosis (TB) disease. Providing HIV testing to TB-exposed people is therefore critical. We present the results of integrating HIV testing into a community-based intervention for household TB contact management in Cameroon and Uganda.

Mental health troubles among Cameroonian adolescents perinatally infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Introduction: Adolescents living with HIV are more likely to experience mental health challenges compared to their peers who do not have HIV. However, there is a lack of data regarding the mental health of adolescents living with HIV in Cameroon. Understanding risk factors and protective factors that influence mental health amongst adolescents is critical for effective programming.