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| Autores principales: | , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Formato: | Recurso digital |
| Lenguaje: | Idioma anglosajón |
| Publicado: |
Zenodo
2025
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| Materias: | |
| Acceso en línea: | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17876872 |
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- <p>Background: Despite government sensitization, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major public health issue in Cameroon, leading to severe complications including infertility, ectopic pregnancy, cervical cancer, and death. STIs such as HIV, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and Chlamydia are highly prevalent. For instance, HIV affects about 4.5% of the adult population, and studies show alarming rates among specific groups, such as female university students. This study proposes introducing home screening for STIs as an alternative approach to reduce the high prevalence. This method aims to offer a convenient, accessible, and less stigmatizing way for individuals to assess their health, potentially increasing screening rates.<br>Methods: Prior to implementation, a survey was conducted to gather perceptions from three key groups: (1) policy makers (ministry officials), (2) implementation stakeholders (physicians, pharmacists, laboratory personnel), and (3) the general public. The study sought policy makers' opinions on regulatory provisions, while stakeholders provided insights on structural barriers, their experiences with STI treatment, and concerns. Public participants were surveyed on their likelihood to use home testing.<br>Statistical Analysis: Data were entered into an Excel database and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods to interpret the data, ascertain perceptions, uncover patterns, and forecast outcomes.<br>Results: Policy makers identified the mobile health segment of Cameroon's health system as a suitable framework for home testing, noting it was established to address medical deserts. The majority of implementation stakeholders expressed a favourable opinion, with 7 in favour and 3 against. Among the 70 public participants, most had a university education and were aged 15-35. While 54.28% had previously been screened for an STI, 46.72% had never been tested. A significant majority (58 participants) were in favour of home testing, with only 17.14% opposed.<br>Conclusion: Given the significant social stigma associated with STIs and the population's reluctance to visit treatment centres, home testing presents a promising solution. The study concludes that leveraging technology for home-based STI screening has the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Cameroon by improving access, efficiency, and the quality of services</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p> </p>